CDS22-formula: the original De Simone Formulation
CDS22-formula is the original 8-strain De Simone Formulation, available in sachets, capsules and infant drops. It is the live bacteria formulation developed by Professor Claudio De Simone, supplied in the UK by Probiotic.co.uk, the sole authorised UK and Ireland distributor, and shipped cold-chain protected.
The same formulation was sold under the VSL#3 brand until 2016 and the Vivomixx brand in the EU and UK until 2025. The identity is carried by the eight strains and their NCIMB deposit codes, not by the brand name.
Looking for Vivomixx or VSL#3 in the UK?
The 8-strain De Simone Formulation previously sold as Vivomixx (until 2025) and VSL#3 (until 2016) is now supplied in the UK as CDS22-formula. Same strains, same NCIMB identity, new brand name. For the full background, see the guides linked below.
Early 1990s
De Simone Formulation developed by Professor Claudio De Simone — an 8-strain live bacteria mixture.
Until 2016
Sold as VSL#3 (trademark of VSL Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Actial S.r.l.).
2016 – 2025
Sold as Vivomixx in the EU and UK (Mendes SA) and as Visbiome in the US and Canada (ExeGi Pharma). Products sold as VSL#3 after 2016 no longer contain the formulation.
2025 – present
Supplied in the EU and UK as CDS22-formula — the same 8-strain composition and NCIMB strain identity.
The range at a glance
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Formulation: the original 8-strain De Simone Formulation (NCIMB-identified strains)
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Formats: 450 billion CFU sachets · 112 billion CFU capsules · infant drops
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Heritage: sold as VSL#3 until 2016, Vivomixx until 2025, CDS22-formula now
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Distributor: Probiotic.co.uk, sole authorised UK & Ireland distributor (EOS2021-appointed)
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Storage & delivery: refrigerated +2°C to +8°C · cold-chain shipped across the UK
Choose your format
Every product in this range is the same De Simone Formulation. They differ by format and live count per serving:
450bn CFU / sachet
450B Sachets
Highest count per serving. A powder you mix into a cool drink or yogurt. Available in larger multi-packs and on subscription.
View the sachets →
112bn CFU / capsule
112B Capsules
A convenient vegetable capsule for a simple daily routine and for travel. Lower count per serving than the sachets.
View the capsules →
Infant format
Infant Drops
Formulated for babies and young children, in an easy drop format.
View the drops →
All packs, multi-buy bundles and subscription options are listed in the product grid on this page.
Evidence guide
What the clinical guidelines and research say about the De Simone Formulation
A precise, fully cited reference on what published clinical guidelines and scientific literature say about the De Simone Formulation, the brand-and-formulation history, and how to verify the original by its strain list. Reference-grade, with verified PMIDs.
Read the evidence guide →
The 8 strains of the De Simone Formulation
Across every format, the formulation is defined by the same eight strains, identified by their NCIMB deposit codes so they can be verified against the published literature. The total live count per serving varies by product (450 billion per sachet, 112 billion per capsule):
| Strain |
NCIMB code |
| Streptococcus thermophilus |
NCIMB 30438 |
| Bifidobacterium breve |
NCIMB 30441 |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis |
NCIMB 30435 |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis |
NCIMB 30436 |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus |
NCIMB 30442 |
| Lactobacillus plantarum |
NCIMB 30437 |
| Lactobacillus paracasei |
NCIMB 30439 |
| Lactobacillus helveticus |
NCIMB 30440 |
Older clinical literature and the US Visbiome product list these organisms under DSM codes; they are the same formulation. The current UK CDS22-formula label uses the NCIMB designations above. The De Simone Formulation has an extensive published scientific literature — see the scientific publications and clinical studies bibliography.
Cold-chain handled, end to end
Every product in this range is a live-culture supplement. We receive it refrigerated from the manufacturer, hold it in dedicated refrigeration at our UK facility, and dispatch it cold-chain protected. It stays stable at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to a week, which covers transit; refrigerate it on arrival. See our cold-chain delivery information.
"As the sole authorised UK and Ireland distributor of CDS22-formula, we handle every order under strict cold-chain protocols, from the manufacturer through to your door, so you receive the genuine De Simone Formulation with its live count intact."
— Darren, Probiotic.co.uk
These products are food supplements and are not medicines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. No authorised EU/UK health claim is made for CDS22-formula or its bacterial strains on this page. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
What is CDS22-formula?
CDS22-formula is the original 8-strain De Simone Formulation, a live bacteria food supplement developed by Professor Claudio De Simone. It was sold under the VSL#3 brand until 2016 and the Vivomixx brand in the EU and UK until 2025, and is supplied in the UK today as CDS22-formula. The range includes 450 billion CFU sachets, 112 billion CFU capsules, and infant drops.
Is CDS22-formula the UK replacement for Vivomixx?
The 8-strain De Simone Formulation sold in the EU and UK as Vivomixx until 2025 is now supplied as CDS22-formula. It carries the same strains, identified by their NCIMB codes. Vivomixx is a registered trademark of Mendes SA; CDS22-formula is not affiliated with it. Identity is best confirmed by the strain list rather than the brand name.
Which CDS22-formula should I choose: sachets, capsules or drops?
All are the same De Simone Formulation; they differ by format and live count per serving. The 450 billion CFU sachets are a powder you mix into a cool drink or yogurt and have the highest count per serving. The 112 billion CFU capsules suit a simple daily routine. The infant drops are formulated for babies and young children. The choice is format preference and the count you want per serving.
What is the difference between the 450 billion and 112 billion versions?
Both are the same 8-strain De Simone Formulation with the same NCIMB strains. The difference is the live count per serving and the format: the sachets provide 450 billion CFU per sachet as a powder, while the capsules provide 112 billion CFU per vegetable capsule.
Who is the official UK distributor of CDS22-formula?
Probiotic.co.uk is the sole authorised UK and Ireland distributor of CDS22-formula, appointed by the manufacturer EOS2021 S.r.l. On the manufacturer's website, cds22.com, selecting the United Kingdom or Ireland directs customers to Probiotic.co.uk as the authorised distributor for those markets. Buying from the authorised distributor is how you confirm you are receiving the genuine De Simone Formulation, cold-chain handled.
Which strains are in the De Simone Formulation?
The formulation contains eight strains, identified by their NCIMB deposit codes: Streptococcus thermophilus NCIMB 30438, Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB 30441, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCIMB 30435 and NCIMB 30436, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB 30442, Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 30437, Lactobacillus paracasei NCIMB 30439, and Lactobacillus helveticus NCIMB 30440. The total CFU per serving depends on the product format.
Why does CDS22-formula need cold-chain delivery?
CDS22-formula contains live bacteria and should be stored refrigerated at +2°C to +8°C to maintain the stated count. It stays stable at room temperature up to 25°C for up to a week, which covers transit. Probiotic.co.uk ships every order cold-chain protected from a temperature-controlled UK facility.
Is CDS22-formula a medicine?
No. CDS22-formula is sold legally in the UK as a food supplement. It is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No prescription is required.
Advisory information (UK): Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or under medical supervision, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. Keep out of the reach of young children. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose. These products are food supplements and are not medicines. Regulated for sale in the UK under the FSA; for health information the NHS is the appropriate reference.
VSL#3® is a registered trademark of VSL Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Actial S.r.l. 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. and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or distributed by the VSL#3, Vivomixx or Visbiome trademark holders. Historical brand names are used for identification and factual continuity only.
