Dallas, TX
March 30, 2016
On March 1, Iichiroh Ohhira, PhD, developer of world-renowned Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic® Formulations (known as OM-X in Japan), passed away after a brief illness. He was 80 years old.
“This is extremely sad news for everyone at Essential Formulas. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Ohhira for many years and considered him not only a brilliant scientist but also a friend. He was a visionary in the field of microbiology and biochemistry and his pioneering research developed the first clinically controlled natural fermentation process, thus setting the gold standard for probiotic supplementation worldwide,” said Michael Schoor, CEO and President of Essential Formulas Incorporated. “Dr. Ohhira was a true humanitarian who made it his life’s work to positively impact the health of millions of people, thus becoming a champion for a generation who were seeking naturally viable health alternatives.”
In 1974, Dr. Ohhira founded Bio Activity Research & Development Center in Okayama Japan, later knows as BioBank, and through his research discovered Enterococcus faecalis TH-10, a strain whose photolytic power is 6.25 stronger than other lactic acid bacteria (LAB) known to science. This strain became the foundation of Dr. Ohhira’s award-winning formulations. This discovery along with his research in LAB earned Dr. Ohhira a series of prestigious awards, including the Presidential Citation from Philippine Medical Association. He was named a GUSI Peace Prize winner, often referred to as the Philippine’s version of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Dr. Ohhira once stated, “Each capsule is filled with our passion and hope for bringing health and long life to all 7 billion people on the earth. We make our product with not only proven scientific protocol but tender care through the power of fermentation, inspired through nature’s blessings and the mighty lactic acid bacteria.”
Continuing to lead the company is Chief Executive Officer Masumi Ohhira; lead research scientist and Dr. Ohhira’ protégé Dr. Muneaki Takahata, PhD, and his team of researchers and Hiroaki Takahata, who oversees marketing operations in Japan and other regions.
For the time being, we would like to reflect upon Dr. Ohhira’s life and express our gratitude to an exceptional man who gave everything to his company and his passion. According to his utmost wishes, the company will continue to pursue and expand the exciting adventure that he initiated in 1974.
For a full list of Dr. Ohhira’s accomplishments, visit the Essential Formulas website.
About Essential Formulas
Essential Formulas Incorporated (EFI) was established in 2000 as the sole US distributor of world-renowned microbiologist Dr. Iichiroh Ohhira’s award-winning probiotic dietary supplements and skin care products. Always an innovator, EFI introduced REG’ACTIV in 2015. Containing ME-3, a probiotic catalyst that produces the “master’” oxidant glutathione inside the body’s own cells. A family-owned and operated business, EFI was founded on the philosophy of providing high-quality preventative, supportive and comprehensive pro-health products for the entire family.
Pledging to provide premium all natural supplements and exceptional customer care, EFI continually strives to lead the industry in customer and retailer education in the use and efficacy of their innovative products, which include Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics, Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis PLUS, Dr. Ohhira’s Essential Living Oils (Vegan Certified), Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic Kampuku Beauty Bar and Magoroku Skin Lotion and newly introduced REG’ACTIV, containing ME-3, a probiotic catalyst that has been proven to boost glutathione, the’ Master Antioxidant’. Essential Formulas supplements continue to garner consumer, health care professional and industry accolades for its convenient packaging and powerful health- promoting benefits.
EFI continues to flourish and grow through strong company and product integrity and the knowledge that they’re providing scientifically proven products that positively impact the health and well being of their customers. For more information, visit the Essential Formulas website or call 972.255.3918.
