Mundipharma makes nutraceutical move in Vietnam and eyes wider regional expansion
Global pharmaceutical network Mundipharma has hinted at expansion in developing APAC countries with its foray into nutraceuticals, having recently launched a nutritional supplement in Vietnam.
Last month, the firm launched US-based medical nutrition firm Signutra's powdered health supplement, Maxvida, in Vietnam.
Along with 32 key ingredients — including essential amino acids, complex carbohydrates, and biotin — Maxvida contains Certi5, a proprietary blend of five signature ingredients: dual protein (milk protein and the soy protein isolate SUPRO), soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, antioxidants (vitamins C and E, and selenium), haemo nutrients (iron, folic acid, riboflavin and vitamins B6 and B12) and bone nutrients (calcium, magnesium and vitamins D and K).
Vitaco says Asian market growth 'top priority' amid NPD and local partnership focus
Aussie-Kiwi supplement firm Vitaco is looking to increase its public visibility in Asia and the Middle East, with NPD planned for its four core brands targeting heart health, gut health, musculoskeletal health and immune health.
Formed in 2007 from a merger between two renowned health and wellness firms — Healtheries of New Zealand and Nutra-Life Health and Fitness — Vitaco has a variety of health and nutrition brands in its portfolio, four of which account for the bulk of its business: Healtheries, Nutra-Life, Aussie Bodies and Musashi.
The company manufactures its products at its own plant in New Zealand, and claims to be the largest manufacturer and marketer of vitamins (via Healtheries and Nutra-Life) in the country, with an approximate 23% market share.
Women's health driving South East Asian ambitions for Indian functional beverage firm &Me
Indian nutrition brand &Me is eyeing South East Asia with its functional beverages for women, with plans to update its packaging, introduce more product formats, and conduct clinical trials within the next six months.
The brand launched in September 2017, and currently has three types of functional beverage products in its portfolio: PCOS (to support healthy hormonal balance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome), PMS (to support metabolism and healthy muscle and nerve function during periods), and Beauty (to support hair and skin health).
The products are made from a mix of fruits, vegetables, spices and ayurvedic herbs, combined with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C and E, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, chromium and copper.
CBD tech: MNC interest as Chinese firm develops water-soluble cannabidiol technology
China firm Hanyi Bio-tech has developed a technology to increase the water-solubility of cannabidiol (CBD), and aims to expand its application into a range of health food and supplement products.
Hanyi Bio-tech's core business is to develop new drugs, health food and chemical products based on CBD. It is a subsidiary of HMI Group, which focuses on the entire industrial chain investment in hemp, from breeding, planting, extraction and R&D to production and sales.
To address CBD's solubility issues, the firm uses nano-technology, which allows CBD to be dissolved within seconds in a water-based medium, maintains its stability, and results in a clear and transparent solution after dissolving.
Hypertension-stemming seaweed: Indian institute seeks industry backing to commercialise new nutraceutical
India's Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has developed a novel nutraceutical product from seaweed that is said to be able to combat hypertension, and is now on the lookout for industry partners to help bring it to consumers.
As part of its continued efforts to maximise the medical applications of marine organisms, the CMFRI has produced CadlaminTM Antihypertensive extract (CadalminTM AHe) from commonly found seaweeds in Indian coastal waters, which are known for their multiple medicinal properties.
The CMFRI researchers used bioactive pharmacophore leads from the seaweeds to develop the product, which comes in 400mg capsules.
