The agreement will see NPP act as the exclusive agent for Herbamed’s CoQ10 ingredient, available as a stable powder that can be easily used in capsules and tablets. The Ultrasome ingredient is a liposomal-like formulation: CoQ10 is combined with a dual-layer of phospholipids to create a small droplet (liposome), said the company, which protects and delivers the CoQ10 more effectively to the gastrointestinal tract.
“We are extremely happy to join forces with the NPP team,” said David Hart, business development and marketing manager at Herbamed. “This is our first foray to bring innovative Ultrasome CoQ10 to the US market. NPP is highly respected in the industry, especially in the important California and Inter-mountain regions. The relationship is definitely synergistic, as Ultrasome CoQ10 provides NPP an ultra-high quality value-added ingredient backed by clinical trials."
Talking to NutraIngredients-USA, Hart added that the agreement is part of the company's plan to establish a global distribution network for the ingredient.
"We are in negotiations for representation in the Eastern US and in the Far East. We are actively seeking the right partners for each of the different European countries," he added.
CoQ10 benefits
CoQ10 – or coenzyme Q10 plays a vital role in the production of chemical energy in mitochondria – the 'power plants' of the cell – by participating in the production of adenosince triphosphate (ATP), the body's co-called 'energy currency'.
It has been studied for its role in cognitive health, heart health, and anti-aging (in oral and topical formulations). It has also been shown to benefit those suffering from angina, heart attack and hypertension.
Its use in the US, particularly in supplements, has been boosted by the rise in popularity of statin drugs which deplete the body's natural stores of CoQ10.
Hart confirmed that the ingredient is initially positioned towards dietary supplements, but if "the response in the supplement market is positive, we would likely seek GRAS affirmation" for its patented ingredient.
"Herbamed has developed similar products that are specifically designed for the beverage industry with our SME (Sub Micron Emulsion) technology. We are investigating the ramifications/necessity of GRAS affirmation for our products," he added.
The Ultrasome ingredient is supported by four clinical trials, said the company, which have indicated increases in bioavailability of between three and ten-fold, depending on the age of the subjects – elderly people are known to have difficulties in absorbing CoQ10.
Hart confirmed that the company is currently supporting an in-vivo trial at the Ichilov Hospital (Tel Aviv) that is investigating the role of CoQ10 in kidney function. "We are also investigating the opportunity to perform further clinical trials with different partners around the world," he added.
NPP welcome
The agreement was welcomed by Greg Flinn, President of New Products Plus. “Ultrasome gives us an entry into the CoQ10 market with an exciting product backed by science,” said Flinn. “We are happy to team with a company like Herbamed, who makes a significant investment in science and intellectual property behind their products. Ultrasome CoQ10 is definitely a good way to differentiate and stand out in this crowded market.”