NKO is already available in 12 countries including the US, where it is distributed by Nature's Bounty and sold in Vitamin World stores. The new agreement means it will be launched in most of the 39 countries in which Pharmanex, a division of NuSkin, operates.
Neptune began making inroads into Asia at the end of last year, launching the product in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. Since marine products already form a major part of the diet in the region, the company has high hopes that the market will prove favorable.
The new deal means Neptune can expand this presence into China, since Pharmanex is one of just three multi-level marketing companies authorized to conduct business in this potentially lucrative market.
"The deal with Pharmanex is strategically very important; it went efficiently through a very rigorous process and Neptune will definitely benefit from it," said Tina Sampalis, vice president of research/business & development at Neptune Technologies & Bioressources.
Krill oil, containing omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to significantly reduce dysmenorrhea and the emotional symptoms of PMS, such as irritability and depression (Alternative Medicine Review vol 8, no 2, p171).
Last May PharmaNutrients launched Fembiance, a product aimed at menstruating women which blends CLA One brand conjugated linoleic acid with Neptune's krill oil supplement.
In addition to Omega-3, krill oil contains Omega-6 and -9, all of which have been shown to promote metabolic health, and the carotenoid astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant. It is also thought to contain naturally-occurring phospholipids and DHA, which are good for cellular health and brain function, and vitamin A for immune system health.