NPEW 2024 live: Alkemist Labs CEO discusses the future of analytical testing in health nutrition

15 Mar 2024 --- At the ongoing Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) in Anaheim, California, US, Nutrition Insights speaks to Élan M. Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs, shedding light on the evolution of analytical testing in the health and nutrition industry. 

With nearly three decades of experience, Alkemist Labs focuses on ensuring the purity and potency of various botanical products, incorporating innovative solutions like blockchain technology to tackle adulteration.

“We started with plant identity and familiarity and then we moved over to quantification of phytochemicals and potency,” Sudberg explains. "Over time, spurred by client requests, we expanded our testing services to include contaminant testing, covering metals, pesticides, microbiology and residual solvents.”

“The introduction of blockchain technology marks a significant milestone in their efforts to combat adulteration in the market.”

Sudberg emphasizes the significance of ensuring product authenticity and safety.

“Our job is to make sure our customers have the correct materials free of contaminants,” he reveals. “This commitment is further underscored by our adoption of cutting-edge testing methodologies such as HPTLC (high-performance thin layer chromatography), template microscopy and HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), ensuring accuracy and reliability in our results.”

Alkemist Labs focuses on ensuring the purity and potency of various botanical products, incorporating innovative solutions like blockchain technology to tackle adulteration.Expanded testing services
Alkemist Labs has recently announced significant expansions to its suite of testing services. These expansions include the addition of microbiological and residual solvent testing platforms. 

At the same time, it is incorporating new testing capabilities for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

The company can also test THC analogs such as delta 8 and 10, as well as astaxanthin and lower limits of detection for heavy metals.

The introduction of microbiological and residual solvent testing complements Alkemist Lab's existing portfolio, which includes pesticides and heavy metals testing, offering clients a comprehensive range of testing services.

The move underscores the company’s ability to meet the diverse needs of its clientele while ensuring stringent quality standards.

The company also has the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 accreditation — a benchmark for laboratory competence. The accreditaion has been renewed for Alkemist Labs through February 2026 and encompasses the newly added testing services, with the exception of astaxanthin testing.

Notably, Alkemist Labs now boasts the distinction of being the first laboratory to include a wide array of psychoactive compounds from various botanical sources in its ISO scope, further solidifying its position as an industry leader in testing services.

Evolving challenges
Sudberg highlights that the landscape of analytical testing has its challenges. He notes that the industry is experiencing a consolidation as larger labs acquire smaller ones, potentially limiting choice and diversity.

Moreover, misinformation surrounding regulation, safety and testing pervades the industry, hindering transparency and consumer trust.

In response to these challenges, Alkemist Labs says it will leverage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to revolutionize product development and testing processes.

Sudberg expresses optimism about the role of AI in personalized medicine and product research, envisioning a future where innovative companies utilize AI to accelerate the journey from concept to shelf.

Yet, with rapid technological advancements come new complexities. Sudberg spotlights the need for laboratories to adapt and keep pace with innovation, cautioning against neglecting the testing aspect in the pursuit of product innovation.

By Milana Nikolova, with live reporting by Jolanda van Hal at NPEW 2024