The companies initially joined forces in 2006 to successfully introduce natural vitamin K2 to the nutrition industry under the MenaQ7 brand name. The companies are re-launching their strategic partnership after a hiatus of approximately four years.
In the past year, NattoPharma underwent significant restructuring, re-developing MenaQ7, receiving several patents in the EU and US, and releasing study results demonstrating that MenaQ7 preserves bone content and strength, as well as demonstrating significant benefits for the promotion of a healthy cardiovascular system.
"Our previous work with MenaQ7 has been stimulating because we believe in its place as a necessary nutrient for promoting health in key aging areas, including bone and cardiovascular health,” said Paul Flowerman, President of PL Thomas.
“Through NattoPharma's recent work, we are now able to provide a clinically-proven ingredient, recognized with a US patent for cardiovascular applications, to the natural products industry."
Dr Hogne Vik, CEO of NattoPharma, added, "In the past year, not only have we received intellectual property recognition in Europe and in the US, but also, our groundbreaking three-year clinical study with MenaQ7 for bone health has been published in the prestigious journal Osteoporosis International. In tandem, our study showed significant benefits for arterial health.
“The patents and the published studies position MenaQ7 for phenomenal growth and sales as its benefits become more widely recognized and consumer demand increases sharply."