Each month we prepare a roundup of interesting news, new clinical studies, and new product launches in the industry.
Industry News Roundup – March 2024
30th March 2024
Research
Biom’s probiotic suppository improves BV symptoms – study
Biom Pharmaceutical’s probiotic suppository, VagiBiom, is safe and effective in improving symptoms and vaginal health among older women with bacterial vaginosis, according to a Biom, All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Vedic LifeSciences study (Scientific Reports, 9 February). For 4 weeks, 66 women (40-65 years) with BV used a placebo suppository or VagiBiom (Lactobacillus crispatus Bi16, L. gasseri Bi19, Bacillus coagulans Bi34, L. acidophilus Bi14 + prebiotic oligofructose) before bedtime (5x/week). The findings showed significant reductions in average scores for vaginal pH, itching, and BV diagnosis and a significant improvement in vaginal health scores vs baseline among the VagiBiom group. Microbiome analysis revealed the effects were primarily the result of improved vaginal Lactobacillus diversity. Biom is now conducting a separate follow-up clinical study on BV recurrence rates after VagiBiom or placebo use.
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Biofarma Group: a clinically-tested supplement to promote healthy aging
Biofarma is promoting a healthy aging mitochondrial health anti-aging product based on resveratrol, quercetin, and zinc in a microencapsulated core. Preclinical in vitro study done on the formulation.
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New launches
Sirio develops gummy platform devoted to women’s health
Sirio is tapping into the consumer demand for gummies and the growing interest in women’s specific health concerns with a new platform of female-focused, science-backed solutions. The global contract supplements manufacturer has developed concepts addressing common concerns including PMS, menopause, weight management, and blood glucose control.
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Gaia Herbs launches postbiotics fermented from traditional superfoods
Gaia Herbs is targeting gut and immune health with its new range of “full spectrum postbiotics” made with lactic acid bacteria from spontaneous fermentation in either Ginger-Turmeric, Sauerkraut, Ginger-Beet, or Kimchi capsules. The launch is accompanied by consumer-facing education, including blogs and social media posts, to help shoppers delineate between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics and their specific roles in promoting gut and immune health.
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NutriOriginal’s new TurmiMax Bio turmeric extract offers high bioavailability, absorption, and water dispersibility
According to the companies’ press release, “These novel advancements enable to potent curcuminoids in TurmiMax Bio to be optimally assimilated and utilized in the body and deliver maximum health benefits. With a 3-to-1 potency advantage compared to standardized 95%-curcuminoid turmeric ingredients, TurmiMax Bio enables efficacious, lower dosing and is a cost-effect and highly efficient formulation solution for supplements, functional foods, and beverages.”
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Sempera Organics officially launches proprietary lion’s mane blend
Sempera Organics has launched a lion’s mane mushroom blend called SO-DSX1, which is a patent-pending proprietary blend of lion’s mane fruiting body and mycelium. The blend has a beneficial effect on stress reduction and cognitive health. A human study showed that subjects (between 18 and 45 years of age) taking the extract saw improved performance on a Stroop task within one hour, and after 28 days of supplementation, subjects saw an improvement in perceived stress based on Visual Analog Scale.
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PLT Health Solutions launches new ingredient marketed for pain relief and sleep support
PLT Health Solutions has announced the launch of a sleep support ingredient called Serezin Restorative Sleep + Pain Relief. According to the company, Serezin is crafted from a synergistic blend of proprietary Boswellia serrata and ginger extracts, the ingredient has clinical evidence of pain relief, and in turn sleep and mood support. More specifically, PLT says that the ingredient helps people get to sleep faster, improves sleep quality, helps people wake more easily, supports alertness, and better mood.
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FrieslandCampina Ingredients launches algae-based microencapsulated DHA powders
FrieslandCampina Ingredients has announced the launch of two algae-based DHA ingredients: Biotis DHA FlexP 15 and Biotis DHA FlexP 20. Biotis DHA FlexP 15 delivers a 15% DHA load for vegan formulations, while Biotis DHA FlexP 20 delivers a 20% DHA load but uses dairy proteins in the powder matrix. According to FrieslandCampina, its proprietary process protects the DHA from oxidation to ensure a high sensory quality. They’re also designed with formulation flexibility in mind, so the free-flowing powders have very good mixing and solubility properties, even in cold water.
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AiFlex’inside – a proven formula for joint health
Activ’Inside has unveiled its latest innovation in joint care – AiFlex’inside. The formula aims to establish new benchmarks for joint health, mobility, and overall well-being, specifically catering to the needs of athletes and seniors. Formulated primarily with natural botanical ingredients proven to possess anti-inflammatory properties and to decrease pain sensitivity, AiFlex’inside not only targets joint discomfort but also enhances crucial factors for both athletes and seniors, such as sports performance and overall quality of life. It’s based on a patented saffron extract with scientifically proven efficacy.
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Bioriginal and POS launch sustainable omega-3 line
Bioriginal has developed a sustainable line of omega-3 fish, algal, and plant-based oils with technology from POS Biosciences. The resulting line of omega-3 oils are fully traceable, based on sustainably managed fish sources secured in aquaculture facilities, algae harvested only once in nature, then repurposed into a renewable production process as a self-replicating source, and flax oils managed through responsible farming practices in the Canadian prairies.
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Gnosis by Lesaffre and SunWay Biotech debut new vitamin K for cardiometabolic health
The MenaQ7 Metabolic formula, which pairs vitamin K2 (MenaQ7) with Ankascin 568-R, addresses these evolving consumer needs by offering a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health. This approach minimizes reliance on pharmaceuticals and reduces long-term health risk. The partnership between SunWay Biotech and Gnosis by Lesaffre to launch MenaQ7 Metabolic marks a strategic response to the shifting dynamics of cardiometabolic health management.
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Herbalife launches menopause product
Herbalife has launched Pycno Plus supplement in S Korea to support women as they transition through menopause. Ingredients include Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) plus vitamins & minerals claimed to help remove free radicals that are harmful to the health of menopausal women.
Nestle introduces sleep supplement in China
Nestlé has created a new milk powder containing a proprietary bioactive blend that it says can help to improve natural sleepiness and sleep quality. The blend – a combination of tryptophan, vitamin B, magnesium, zinc, mulberry leaf extract, and nutrients said to facilitate the body’s melatonin secretion – appears in the newly formulated Yiyang Wanning milk powder, which has launched in China targeting people aged 40-60 years. Nestlé Research and National University of Singapore Sleep Centre scientists collaborated on a clinical study that showed the sleep supplement reduced time to fall asleep by around 15%. In addition, owing to the presence of mulberry leaf extract, there were also decreases in postprandial blood sugar increase after the evening meal and glycaemic variation during the night.
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Interpath introduces Epijoint
Epijoint (Interpath), a new OTC option to relieve mild joint pain and osteoarthritis symptoms, as well as helping to maintain joint health and mobility, contains Epiitalis (Biota orientalis seed oil 80mg), which is high in fatty acids and patented for its anti-inflammatory effects. Other ingredients include d-alpha-tocopherol 13.42mg (equivalent to 20 IU vitamin E). Available in 60-count bottles (one month’s supply), Epijoint capsules are set to launch in Australia, with the USA to follow. The Australian launch is backed by the Move How You Feel campaign, featuring an elderly female amateur blacksmith and her partner.
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PeptiSleep
Similar to 2023, this year’s Expo West saw a lot of supplement products positioned for relaxation and sleep, notably formulations based on magnesium and adaptogens. One of the standout ingredient launches at the event was Nuritas’ PeptiSleep, a network of peptides derived from rice that act to lower cortisol. “This is a different approach to the other sleep ingredients out there,” explained Dr. Andy Franklyn-Miller, chief medical and innovation officer at Nuritas. “We want to reduce stress, we want to improve sleep latency, but also we want to improve deep sleep but keep that morning focus.”
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PeptiControl
Nuritas also launched a blood sugar management ingredient called PeptiControl derived from peas. “This works via three pathways,” Dr Franklyn-Miller said. “DPP-4, GLUT4, and the magic GLP-1. So, improve satiety, feel full, and lose some of that [glucose] spike.”“Everyone’s talking about GLP-1 drugs,” added SPINS’ Dicker. “We’re seeing companies switch their strategies to address the amount of people that are going on the pharmaceuticals, and there’s also interest in what can be construed as a natural alternative. These are things that are going to increase with that interest and awareness […] and all the adjacent categories as well, so healthspan, and preserving muscle mass.”
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Partnerships, M&A
Bayer empowers women to improve intimate health
Bayer Pakistan’s Consumer Health division has partnered with Greenstar Social Marketing for the EmpowHer initiative, which aims to improve the diagnosis and prevention of intimate health issues among women in low-income communities. According to the Canesten marketer, 82mn women aged 15+ years suffer from intimate health issues, with 75% of sexually-active women expected to experience at least one episode of vaginal yeast infection. The EmpowHer program aims to reach 10mn women by training Lady Health Visitors and other HCPs who serve women from lower-income communities to provide them with the knowledge to manage their health better.
Cinfa Group acquires Adamed women’s brands
To focus on its key therapeutic areas in Spain, Adamed has sold its gynecology portfolio to Cinfa Group for an undisclosed sum. The deal includes Levedol, Soniase Supra D, and Emegest Plus (all supplements), as well as Dimetrio and Dolna Rx brands. Adamed Laboratorios has reaffirmed its commitment to responding to the key challenges of medicine by strengthening its product portfolios, which span the central nervous system, oncology, cardio-metabolic pathologies, and smoking cessation, as well as evaluating the possibility of new categories.
Roquette acquires IFF Pharma Solutions
Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and pharmaceutical excipients, has agreed to acquire IFF Pharma Solutions for an undisclosed sum. With revenues of around US$1bn and 10 R&D and/or production sites globally, US-based IFF’s pharmaceutical division is a producer of excipients for oral dosage solutions. It has an extensive range of products, established brands, and a global client base of major pharmaceutical, food, and nutraceutical companies. “After last year’s acquisition of Qualicaps, [this is] a decisive step in our journey to reinforce our position in the health and nutrition markets,” said Roquette CEO, Pierre Courduroux. The deal is expected to be completed in H1 2025.
Technology
Plant cell cultivation startup Ayana Bio scales up agriculture-free saffron
Ayana Bio and Wooree Green Science have partnered to develop high-potency, full-spectrum saffron bioactives using plant cell cultivation instead of traditional agriculture. Their plant cell cultivation approach creates plant materials without growing plants in the ground. By growing real plant cells in stainless steel tanks, this process delivers the health benefits of plant bioactives without the quality issues that come from the constraints of conventional agriculture, including climate change.
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A new Daye for vaginal screening
Gynecological health start-up Daye’s Diagnostic Tampon is now available for purchase at Boots.com (Walgreens Boots Alliance). Designed for use at home, the tampon is inserted for at least 20 minutes (and up to 8 hours) and shipped in the pouches and box provided in the kit for analysis. Costing £129 (US$165), the Daye Diagnostic Tampon screens 12 microorganisms for:
- Fertility-inhibiting pathogens
- Vaginal infections like thrush and BV
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Perimenopause and menopause related changes in the microbiome
- The overall health of the vaginal microbiome
Beyond screening, users receive personalized information about treatments, consultations, and specialist after-care tailored to their needs. Each report also comes with lifestyle hacks to support vaginal health.
A new clinical trial on Nuritas’s PeptiStrong AI-discovered peptides shows broad benefits for muscle health and muscle aging
Nuritas (Ireland), a company using artificial intelligence to discover health-promoting peptides from plants, announced the results of a new clinical trial on its new PeptiStrong ingredient, derived from fava bean and containing specific cell-signaling peptides, showing that the ingredient has broad benefits for muscle health and muscle aging. In the study, PeptiStrong subjects showed significantly improved strength recovery compared to placebo as well as a reduction in muscle fatigue, leading researchers to conclude that PeptiStrong “significantly improves strength recovery and restoration, reduces fatigue, and positively modulates alterations in markers related to muscle homeostasis.”
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Marketing campaigns
NHS campaign aims to help
The NHS has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the seven additional conditions that can now be treated by high street pharmacies without needing to see a GP. With immediate effect, ads will run across on-demand TV services, radio, bus stops, and billboards, as well as social media, encouraging people to use their high street pharmacy for a wider range of common illnesses. Launched at the end of January 2024, patients can receive treatment and medicines for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The NHS in England has worked with pharmacies to promote the new support available for patients as part of its Help Us, Help You campaign, to raise awareness of the services.
Biden takes action to advance women’s health research & innovation
President Joe Biden has signed an executive order aimed at advancing the study of women’s health by strengthening data collection and providing better funding opportunities for research. In his State of the Union address, President Biden called on Congress to make an investment of US$12bn to create a Fund for Women’s Health Research at the National Institutes of Health to establish a nationwide network of research centres of excellence and innovation. The new Executive Order directs what is said to be the most comprehensive set of executive actions ever taken to expand and improve women’s health research on a wide range of issues, including:
- Integrate women’s health across the federal research portfolio
- Prioritise investments in women’s health research
- Galvanise new research on women’s midlife health
- Assess unmet needs to support women’s health research.
In November 2023, the President and First Lady, Jill Biden, launched the first-ever White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, which aims to change the approach to and funding of women’s health research in the USA.
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Haleon’s Bone Health Programme
Caltrate (Haleon) has partnered with the Chinese Government on Bone Health Programme with in-store testing and online training for healthcare professionals, educating both HPs1 and consumers in osteoporosis prevention and management. In 2023, the programme expanded to 90 cities, 593 hospitals, and 736 pharmacies.
Other market data & trends
Strongest year yet for ChromaDex
In 2023, ChromaDex had its strongest year ever, achieving net sales of US$83.6mn. This reflects a 16% increase. Q4 2023 net sales were US$21.2mn, +1%. In the past quarter, flagship product Tru Niagen (nicotinamide riboside) sales grew by 9% to US$17.6mn. This was largely offset by a decline in Niagen ingredient sales, as the prior year period included a US$2mn upfront purchase from Nestlé Health Science.
Haleon grows across all regions, categories
Haleon’s revenue fell by 4.1% in 2023 to £11.3bn (US$14.3bn). Organic growth was 8.0% (7.0% price and 1.0% volume/mix), with growth across all regions and categories, reflecting healthy momentum in Power and Local Growth Brands.
- Respiratory Health £1.7bn / US$2.2bn, +13.7% organically, reflecting strong growth, particularly in H1 given the strong cold & flu season at the start of the year and growth of Contac in China following the end of COVID-19 lockdowns.
- Oral Health £3.1bn / US$3.9bn, +10.6%, with all three Power Brands seeing double-digit growth.
- Pain Relief £2.7bn / US$3.4bn, +7.4%, driven by standout performers Panadol and Fenbid.
- Digestive Health & Other £2.1bn / US$2.7bn, +6.5%, with mid single-digit growth across Digestive Health (50%), Skin Health (25%) and
- Smoking Cessation brands (25%). DH growth was underpinned by strength in Tums and Eno, partially offset by a decline in Nexium.
- Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements £1.6bn / US$2bn, +0.9%. Emergen-C was impacted by changes in consumer behavior in the immunity subcategory, where consumption has returned to pre-Covid levels. Centrum delivered mid single-digit growth.
In terms of geographies:
- EMEA & LatAm advanced by 12.6% organically to £4.5bn (US$5.7bn)
- APAC was up by 9.0% to £2.6bn (US$3.3bn)
- North America grew by 2.7% to £4.2bn (US$5.3bn)
Nicholas Hall’s CHC insight North America Jan-Feb 2024 issue – key trends & contents
VMS growth remained relatively low owing to several factors, some short-term, principally the continuing impact of Covid-19 sales trends, with immunity-positioned categories still settling back down after huge increases, and some long-term, namely the switch to online channels rather than bricks & mortar retail, enticed by significant discounts for regular purchases and the convenience of home delivery. Certainly, the category is still booming if innovation is anything to go by, with key segments including energy, memory & brain health, and women’s health.
- Minerals performed best during a year of low growth, with magnesium the key driver as consumers sought help to manage stress and boost energy, a trend that also aided herbal antidepressants
- Innovation levels remained high as most key brands were extended; women’s health was a key focus of NPD, while marketers are also rolling out products linking gut health to mood & brain health and skin health/aging
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