Clinically Proven Probiotic Supplement ALIGN(R) Now Available to Pharmacists

CINCINNATI, July 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Procter & Gamble announced today that ALIGN(R) is now available through wholesalers. ALIGN is a daily probiotic supplement that builds and maintains a natural defense against a full range of episodic digestive upsets, such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, urgency, gas and bloating*. ALIGN is the only probiotic supplement that contains Bifantis(R) (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624), a natural probiotic strain clinically proven to help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

Probiotics are beneficial or healthy bacteria, which can help strengthen the body's natural defenses and help restore the appropriate balance of healthy bacteria. Common factors that can disrupt the digestive balance are changes in diet or surroundings, stress levels, illness and the use of certain medications -- particularly antibiotics. Further, new research suggests that people who suffer from digestive disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), may have a pronounced disruption of bacterial balance.

"ALIGN was developed to help people with a wide-range of episodic digestive upsets," said Mauricio Troncoso, Marketing Director for ALIGN. "So we are thrilled that ALIGN will now be more widely available to consumers."

ALIGN has been available through the internet and phone for over 18 months with orders increasing daily. Some of the country's leading gastroenterologists have been recommending ALIGN for their patients.

ALIGN will be available at the pharmacy counter. Pharmacists can order Align through the wholesalers, Amerisource Bergen, Cardinal and McKesson, in packs of 28 easy-to-swallow capsules.

About ALIGN(R)

ALIGN is a daily probiotic supplement that helps build and maintain a strong and healthy digestive system*. ALIGN works by providing a natural defense against episodic digestive upsets such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, urgency, gas, and bloating. ALIGN is the only probiotic supplement containing the probiotic ingredient Bifantis(R) (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624).

Bifantis is the natural probiotic strain in ALIGN. The specific and pure strain Bifantis is clinically proven to build and maintain a strong, healthy digestive system. ALIGN is the only probiotic supplement that contains Bifantis. Experts believe the benefits of probiotics are strain specific, and no other probiotic strain is backed by the strength of the clinical data supporting Bifantis. Please visit AlignGI.com for more information.

About Procter & Gamble

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R), Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella, Gillette(R), and Braun. The P&G community consists of almost 140,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.