Merck introducing Vivera probiotics product in Latin America

Merck said Wednesday it is launching Vivera, a new consumer health brand for gastrointestinal upset, in Latin American countries starting with Chile.

"Vivera is a fantastic probiotic product which accelerates the healing process after a gastrointestinal upset and restores the function of the digestive system naturally," Merck President and CEO for Consumer Health Business Uta Kemmerich-Keil said. "I am confident that we have a truly winning proposition for both children and adults, particularly when looking for natural and effective options."

Vivera is available in a ready-to-use powder sachet and was created with one of the world's most researched and effective probiotics for treating gastrointestinal issues. The product will first be launched in Chile and will then move to other major markets in Latin American later this year.

In addition to launching Vivera, Merck has began transferring three brands from its biopharma portfolio to its consumer health business. This includes Anemidox/Confer, which treats and prevents iron deficiency related anemia, and Hepabionta, which supports liver functions and protects the liver.

“We have decided to transfer these brands as all of them have great potential for consumerization," Kemmerich-Keil said.

The brands will be part of the consumer health business in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru by 2017.