Phoenix-based Zila has revealed that its new vitamin E product, to be launched early next year under its Ester range, may have advantages in absorption and in the support of cardiovascular health.
The Ester-E technology is based upon a patented process for manufacturing tocopherol phosphate, as well as numerous pending patent applications, to create an enhanced form of vitamin E tailored for supplement makers.
Zila has signed a long-term license agreement with Australia's Vital Health Sciences giving it exclusive rights in the dietary supplement market for certain issued and pending patents, know-how and data pertaining to tocopherol phosphate in the United States, Canada and Indonesia.
Zila also has a right of first refusal for other international markets under the agreement, whose term is for the life of the underlying patents. Several of such patents are recently issued, while other patent applications are still pending.
Ester-E has been created by combining natural d-alpha tocopherol with a phosphate molecule. The patented process is designed to protect the antioxidant potential of vitamin E during absorption, transport, and storage in the body to assist in the delivery of its nutritional benefits when needed.
Douglas D. Burkett, CEO of Zila, said the product fits with Zila's strategy of innovative, proprietary technologies.
"With our new Ester-E product, we intend to match the market success and favorable gross margins achieved by our Ester-C brand, within the larger vitamin E category," he said.
Ron Fugate, vice president and general manager of the firm, added: "Zila will manufacture Ester-E at its Arizona facilities and market the enhanced vitamin E product employing the same business model that drives the success of our Ester-C brand. We believe this exciting new vitamin E product will help generate new revenues and improve margins in our Nutraceuticals business over the next several years."
Ester-E will be sold as a bulk ingredient to nutraceutical manufacturers and promoted directly to consumers through brand-building national advertising. Zila has initiated customer presentations for Ester-E, and initial product shipments are expected to roll out in early 2004.
Preliminary studies conducted by Vital Health indicate potential advantages for tocopherol phosphate in absorption and in the support of cardiovascular health. Zila plans to conduct human clinical trials during 2004 to support the health benefits of Ester-E.