News / biotech

Uni-backed biotech spinout marks major milestone

By Milan Perera  Thursday Nov 6, 2025

A University of Bristol spinout that has developed a supplement to support people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has reached a major milestone.

The biotech company Ferryx, which launched its flagship product Ferrocalm some three years ago, has joined forces with the high street giant Debenhams.

Developed by gut health scientist Dr Jenny Bailey Cooper, Ferrocalm is designed to support people during IBS flare-ups, using a unique probiotic strain that remains stable and active even in an inflamed gut environment.

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Ferrocalm is the result of a decade-long research and development before being scaled up.

The partnership with Debenhams, now a thriving online marketplace under the Boohoo Group, places Ferrocalm alongside some leading wellness brands.

With its science-backed approach and focus on real-life support rather than quick fixes, Ferrocalm has already seen a steady growth as a trusted brand in gut health and probiotics.

Since Ferrocalm’s recent rebrand and the launch of its new website, the brand has seen over 30 per cent growth in sales, driven by improved online accessibility.

Jenny Bailey Cooper, co-founder of Ferryx, said: “Partnering with Debenhams marks a major step forward for Ferrocalm and for everyone working to make credible gut-health support more accessible.

“We’re incredibly proud of what this represents, not just for our team, but for the customers and healthcare professionals who believe in evidence-led solutions for IBS.

IBS affects an estimated one in five people, often with a debilitating impact on daily life

“Seeing our product available through such a trusted UK retailer is a real milestone, and we’re grateful to everyone who’s helped make it happen.”

IBS affects an estimated one in five people, often with a debilitating impact on daily life.

Ferrocalm’s tested formula helps to ease flare-ups by bonding with iron — countering the effects of increased iron concentrations triggered by adrenaline secretions during stress responses.

“Gut health shouldn’t live on the sidelines of wellness,” adds Jenny.

“Our partnership with Debenhams is about visibility and legitimacy — proving that science-backed solutions belong alongside other everyday health essentials.”

Developed by gut health scientist Dr Jenny Bailey Cooper (pictured), Ferrocalm is designed to support people during IBS flare-ups, using a unique probiotic strain that remains stable and active even in an inflamed gut environment

An alumna of the University of Bristol, where she completed her PhD in gastrointestinal immunology, Jenny won the Tech-Xpo 2021 Best Elevator Pitch, earning a mentorship with SETsquared to help take the startup to the next stage with funding and networking opportunities.

Based at UWE Bristol’s Future Space, Ferryx promises to combine “credible science with no-nonsense communication to make gut health support accessible to everyone”.

All photos: Ferryx

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