Persephone Biosciences Will Provide 50,000 Free Doses

The company plans to distribute free synbiotic starter supplies to families through pediatricians throughout 2027.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Children’s Health

Sterile clinical counter with glass vials and sealed medical pouches for supplements.
Persephone Biosciences plans to distribute 50,000 free seven-day synbiotic starter supplies to U.S. families through pediatricians throughout 2027 to support infant microbiome health. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you ask your pediatrician about starting an infant synbiotic supplement for your child?

Persephone Biosciences will provide 50,000 free seven-day supplies of synbiotics to U.S. families in 2027. The initiative will operate through pediatricians to support microbiome health.

Why it matters

The program aims to address widespread microbiome deficiencies in infants, as approximately 90% of U.S. infants currently lack key beneficial microbes for optimal development. It also serves to drive product adoption and education for families and practitioners.

The initiative currently operates across more than 500 pediatric sites in 34 states. Research published in Pediatric Research in August 2026 documented positive results from the company's ARTEMIS trial.

The players

Persephone Biosciences

This is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies and products that target the human microbiome.

The details

Participating pediatricians will provide families with a seven-day starter supply of synbiotics to assist in early childhood development. Interested practitioners can facilitate this distribution by contacting the company via a provided web form or email.

Timeline

  1. August 2026: Persephone published ARTEMIS trial results.

  2. October 2, 2026: Company announced program expansion.

  3. October 2-6, 2026: AAP 2026 conference held in San Diego.

  4. 2027: Planned distribution of 50,000 free doses.

  5. End of 2027: Target for expansion to several thousand sites.

The Big Picture

This initiative follows the precedent set by the ARTEMIS trial, which provided clinical data for the effectiveness of the synbiotics. The program extends the reach of these findings into primary care settings.

Families can now access a seven-day starter supply of synbiotics through their participating pediatrician to address potential microbiome deficiencies. This allows parents to consult directly with their healthcare provider about whether the supplement is appropriate for their child.

The takeaway

Addressing microbiome health early in infancy is a growing area of focus for pediatric preventative care. Parents interested in the supplements should reach out to their pediatrician to see if their office is currently participating in the program.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest research in Children’s Health.

Live Poll

Would you ask your pediatrician about starting an infant synbiotic supplement for your child?