VSL#3 + balsalazide

VSL#3 + balsalazide is a combination therapy consisting of the high-potency probiotic mixture VSL#3 and the anti-inflammatory drug balsalazide. This combination has been studied primarily for the treatment of mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis (UC). VSL#3 contains multiple strains of live bacteria (including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus species) that help restore gut microbiota balance and enhance mucosal barrier function. Balsalazide is a prodrug converted in the colon to mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid), which exerts local anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. Clinical studies have shown that combining low-dose balsalazide with VSL#3 leads to higher remission rates, faster symptom improvement, and better tolerability compared to either agent alone or mesalazine monotherapy in acute mild-to-moderate UC[1][3][4]. The mechanism may involve synergistic anti-inflammatory actions through both direct mucosal immune modulation by probiotics and inhibition of inflammatory mediators by mesalamine.

Other names

VSL#3 and balsalazideVSL#3 plus balsalazide