What Happened to Vivomixx* Probiotic? Is It Still Available in the UK?
Brand History · UK Guide
What Happened to Vivomixx Probiotic in the UK? The Full Story
For years, Vivomixx* was a recognised name in high-strength probiotics in the UK. Changes to the product range have left many customers with unanswered questions. This guide explains what happened and what the options are now.
Vivomixx® is a registered trademark of Mendes SA. Visbiome® is a registered trademark of ExeGi Pharma. CDS22-formula is manufactured by EOS2021 S.r.l. These are independent companies and are not affiliated with each other.
Probiotic.co.uk and CDS22-formula are not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or connected to the holders of the Vivomixx or Visbiome trademarks. Those brand names are referred to on this page for identification and historical reference only. CDS22-formula is a separate product sold in competition with them.
This page is commercial in nature. Probiotic.co.uk sells CDS22-formula and is not a neutral party. Statements attributed to manufacturers or medical bodies are reported as those parties have stated them.
The Origin: Professor Claudio De Simone and the 8-Strain Formula
The story begins with Professor Claudio De Simone, an Italian microbiologist and clinician who developed a specific multi-strain probiotic formulation. That formulation, referred to in the published literature as the De Simone Formulation (DSF), combines eight strains in set proportions and has been the subject of more than 80 published clinical trials over three decades.
The eight strains as they appear on the current UK CDS22-formula label, identified by their NCIMB deposit codes, are:
- Streptococcus thermophilus — NCIMB 30438
- Lactobacillus acidophilus — NCIMB 30442
- Lactobacillus plantarum — NCIMB 30437
- Lactobacillus paracasei — NCIMB 30439
- Lactobacillus helveticus — NCIMB 30440
- Bifidobacterium breve — NCIMB 30441
- Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis — NCIMB 30435
- Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis — NCIMB 30436
Note on naming: under updated bacterial taxonomy, three of these organisms were reclassified. The strains once listed as Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium infantis are now classified as Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, and the strain once listed as Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus is now classified as Lactobacillus helveticus. Older literature therefore uses the earlier names. Deposit codes rather than species names are the reliable identifier. Always check the current pack label, as specifications can change.
Trial and publication figures relate to the De Simone Formulation as described in the published literature. No clinical trial has been conducted on CDS22-formula under that product name, and these figures are not a claim that CDS22-formula treats, prevents or cures any condition.
The Brand History: Vivomixx to CDS22
Several brand names have been used for high-strength 8-strain probiotics in the UK and EU over the past decade. Here is the sequence.
Original Development
Professor Claudio De Simone develops the 8-strain probiotic formulation. Clinical research on the formulation begins.
Vivomixx (UK/EU) and Visbiome (US)
Vivomixx is distributed in the UK and European markets by Mendes SA, and Visbiome is marketed in the United States by ExeGi Pharma. Vivomixx 450 billion sachets and capsules become a common way for UK customers to buy a high-strength 8-strain probiotic.
Vivomixx Neo Introduced
Mendes SA introduces Vivomixx Neo under the Vivomixx brand name. Mendes SA presents Vivomixx Neo as a separate product from the earlier Vivomixx 450. Customers should not assume that a shared brand name means a shared formulation, in either direction, and should check the current label and manufacturer information.
CDS22-Formula Enters the UK Market
Vivomixx 450 is discontinued. CDS22-Formula is launched by EOS2021 S.r.l., which states that it contains the De Simone Formulation, at 450 billion CFU per sachet across the eight NCIMB-identified strains listed above. Visbiome remains available in the US.
What Is Available in the UK in 2026
This table sets out the current position and each manufacturer's own stated position on its product.
| Product | Manufacturer's stated position | Status in 2026 | UK Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDS22-Formula | EOS2021 S.r.l. states it contains the De Simone Formulation | Current | Available — probiotic.co.uk |
| Visbiome (US) | ExeGi Pharma states it contains the De Simone Formulation | Current | US only |
| Vivomixx 450* | Was marketed by Mendes SA as containing the De Simone Formulation | Discontinued 2025 | No longer available |
| Vivomixx Neo | Marketed by Mendes SA as a separate product from Vivomixx 450 | Current | Available in the UK |
*Vivomixx 450 (Mendes SA) discontinued 2025. Vivomixx® is a registered trademark of Mendes SA. Visbiome® is a registered trademark of ExeGi Pharma. No affiliation to these brands. Probiotic.co.uk has not independently tested any product listed and makes no composition claim about any competing product. Always verify against current manufacturer documentation.
The Published Research on the De Simone Formulation
The published trials below were conducted on the De Simone Formulation. They are listed here as research background. They are not claims for any retail product.
Randomised controlled trial reporting a reduced incidence of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery compared with placebo. Published under the brand name in use at the time. PMID 10930365.
Follow-up trial reporting lower relapse rates over a 12-month follow-up in chronic pouchitis compared with placebo.
Reported maintenance of remission in antibiotic-refractory or antibiotic-dependent pouchitis. Placebo relapse rate was 100% compared with 15% in the treatment group. PMID 14684584.
Double-blind RCT reporting improved clinical, endoscopic and histological outcomes in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis as an adjunct to standard treatment. PMID 20517305.
The American Gastroenterological Association 2024 clinical practice guideline on pouchitis (Barnes et al., Gastroenterology 2024;166(1):59-85, PMID 38128971) identifies the De Simone Formulation by name as the probiotic used in the trials it reviewed, and states that the probiotic evidence for preventing recurrent pouchitis is limited to that formulation. The AGA does not endorse any retail product.
For the brand history, the sourced positions of each party, and the strain-level detail, see: Alternatives in the UK: the De Simone Formulation explained.
For the clinical and regulatory background on the formulation itself, see: De Simone Formulation UK reference guide. Probiotic.co.uk is the sole exclusive distributor of CDS22-formula for the UK and Ireland, appointed under written agreement with EOS2021 S.r.l.
Where UK Customers Can Buy CDS22-Formula
For anyone in the UK who previously bought Vivomixx 450 sachets and is looking for a high-strength 8-strain alternative, CDS22-formula is available from Probiotic.co.uk.
- Extensively researched formulation: the De Simone Formulation has been the subject of more than 80 published clinical trials.
- Publication list published in full: we publish the reference list rather than summarising it.
- Strain transparency: all eight strains are identified on the pack by NCIMB deposit code, so you can check what you are buying against a public register.
- Potency: 450 billion live bacteria per sachet.
- Sole exclusive UK and Ireland distributor: appointed under written agreement with the manufacturer, EOS2021 S.r.l., so every pack sold here comes through us, including the ones on pharmacy shelves.
- Cold chain end to end: received refrigerated, held refrigerated in Lancashire, dispatched in a cold pack on a tracked next-day service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vivomixx still available in the UK?
Vivomixx 450 was discontinued in 2025. Mendes SA now markets Vivomixx Neo, which it presents as a separate product from Vivomixx 450. CDS22-formula is a separate 8-strain product manufactured by EOS2021 S.r.l., available in the UK from Probiotic.co.uk at 450 billion CFU per sachet.
How do I check what is actually in a probiotic?
Compare the strain list and deposit codes on the current pack rather than relying on the brand name. CDS22-formula lists eight strains under NCIMB deposit codes NCIMB 30435 to NCIMB 30442. Deposit codes identify specific strains against a public register, which makes them a more reliable check than a product name or a CFU number on the front of a box.
What is the De Simone Formulation?
The De Simone Formulation (DSF) is the term used in the published literature for a specific 8-strain probiotic blend developed by Professor Claudio De Simone. On the current UK CDS22-formula label the eight strains are identified by the deposit codes NCIMB 30435 to NCIMB 30442. Under updated taxonomy some of these organisms appear under earlier species names in older literature. The formulation has been the subject of more than 80 published clinical trials.
What is Visbiome and is it available in the UK?
Visbiome is a product marketed in the United States by ExeGi Pharma, which states that it contains the De Simone Formulation. Visbiome is not available in the UK. Visbiome® is a registered trademark of ExeGi Pharma and Probiotic.co.uk has no affiliation with it.
What is Vivomixx Neo?
Vivomixx Neo is a product introduced under the Vivomixx brand name by Mendes SA in 2024. Mendes SA presents it as a separate product from the earlier Vivomixx 450, which was discontinued in 2025. Customers who previously bought Vivomixx 450 should check the current Vivomixx Neo label and manufacturer information rather than assuming a shared brand name means a shared formulation. Vivomixx® is a registered trademark of Mendes SA and Probiotic.co.uk has no affiliation with it.
Where can I buy CDS22-formula in the UK?
CDS22-formula is available from Probiotic.co.uk, the sole exclusive distributor for the United Kingdom and Ireland, appointed under written agreement with the manufacturer EOS2021 S.r.l. Orders are dispatched from a temperature-controlled facility in Chorley, Lancashire with cold-chain packaging and tracked delivery across the UK including Northern Ireland.
Is CDS22-formula a medicine, and is it legal in the UK?
CDS22-formula is sold legally in the United Kingdom as a food supplement under UK food law. It is not a medicine, it is not licensed by the MHRA, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. No prescription is required and no authorised health claim is made for it.