The US unit of Kyowa Hakko has trademarked its citicoline ingredient, offering its first branded ingredient to US supplement manufacturers.
The Japanese firm unveiled the new brand, Cognizin, at SupplySide West yesterday, although the new product logo is still under development.
Citicoline is already available on the market and is used in pharmaceuticals in Europe to treat neurodegenerative disorders associated with stroke, cerebrovascular pathology and head trauma. Studies have also found the ingredient to help treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well as improve stroke recuperation.
"The product has already proved its effectiveness as a pharmaceutical. But we wanted to offer it as a supplement for a wide range of uses, including improvement of memory among young people and the middle-aged," Koji Takashita, director of marketing at Kyowa Hakko USA, told NutraIngredients-USA.com.
A science seminar, given yesterday by Dr Alexander Schauss from AIBMR, reviewed the evidence showing citicoline's anti-aging effects. The firm said it will sponsor further research seminars and trade communication as it launches the campaign.
Brain health is becoming an important category in the dietary supplement market, and as the aging population grows, demand is expected to follow.
"We have competition in this sector but with the market growing so fast, there is room for competitors," noted Takashita.
Kyowa Hakko recently launched its novel soy-based cholesterol-lowering ingredient CSPHP in supplement form.