Kaneka launches novel innovation award program: Free product and then a clinical trial grant
The first stage, which launched in October, provides the opportunity for nine contest winners to receive up to 5,000 free units of one of the company’s three key Floradapt products: Baby Colic, Cardio, and Intensive GI probiotic finished product.
The second stage, which will open to entries next year, will then provide a clinical trial grant in the amount of $150,000.
“This is the first time that Kaneka has initiated an Innovation Awards Program,” Mike Kolifrath, V.P. Probiotics Division, Floradapt told NutraIngredients-USA. “This program is impressive in the sense that the sheer amount - $150,000 value – ought to entice submissions into the contest.
“The contest also prepares the industry for our next phase of the program, which will be a clinical trial grant in the amount of $150,000. We are proud to help dietary supplement companies, and the industry in general, deepen the science around probiotics in condition specific health applications – which the Floradapt platform is rooted in.”
Since launching in mid-October, the response for stage one has been encouraging, said Kolifrath, with double-digit applications covering a diverse range of submissions.
“Although we have funded clinical trials for decades, granting a dietary supplement company the funding for a Flordapt clinical trial is a new experience for our group. We hope that NutraIngredients’ readers take interest in our contest and phase 2 of our Innovation Awards,” added Kolifrath.
The products
The company’s Floradapt range currently consists of eight probiotic formulations for specific health targets; cardiovascular health, baby colic, digestive health, gastrointestinal health, mature immune defense, gum health, urinary tract health, and vaginal health.
Each product contains multiple strains and have been selected based on multiple strains function associated with targeting condition and by combining the strain in the formula all the strain function can be included in the formula, explained Kolifrath. “We conduct clinical studies on the formulation to confirm the efficacy of blend,” he said, and added that the company also has explored the potential mechanisms of action for the blends.
The innovation contest is limited to three products: Baby Colic, Cardio, and Intensive GI.
Baby Colic contains Pediococcus pentosaceus KABP-041 and Bifidobacterium longum KABP-042. Cardio contains Lactobacillus plantarum KABP-011, KABP-012, and KABP-013.
Intensive GI contains Pediococcus acidilactisi KABP-021, Lactobacillus plantarum KABP-022 and KABP-023.
Kolifrath added that Floradapt provides manufacturers with clinically validated probiotic blends to a ready to market formulation.
“Our products address the need for differentiated solutions,” he added. “For instance, our Floradapt Cardio impacts lipid metabolism through patented Plantarum strains and thus offers formulators another advantage at improving cardiovascular health. Also, for breast-fed and bottle-fed babies, our Baby Colic provides a unique liquid format in a category dominated by ingredients in powder format.”
For more information, please click HERE. The deadline for applications for phase 1 is December 27, 2019 Midnight PST, and winners will be announced on January 6, 2020.
