Weekly Roundup: US$156m “Plants, Food and Health” research program, Algatech appoints new CEO

27 Sep 2019 --- In nutrition news this week, the University of East Anglia (UEA) is to launch a nutrition research program on how a plant-based diet can benefit people’s health in collaboration with the Quadram Institute, the John Innes Centre and the Earlham Institute. Algatech has appointed a new CEO, while Nizo Group also announced the appointment of a new CEO. Meanwhile, Taiyo’s Sunfiber and SunCran received a glyphosate residue-free certification by the Detox Project, while Pharmalinea showcased a variety of solutions for health and skincare at Vitafoods Asia.

In brief: Research and study
The University of East Anglia (UEA) is to launch a nutrition research program on how a plant-based diet can benefit people’s health. The Edesia: Plants, Food and Health project will involve Ph.D. researchers from across the Norwich Research Park who will try to determine the complex relationship between plant-based foods, metabolism, gut microbiota and health. The study will be funded by the Wellcome Trust, the initiative is one of 23 to receive a share of £127 million (US$156 million) and brings together the expertise of UEA, the Quadram Institute, the John Innes Centre and the Earlham Institute. The Edesia project reflects a growing recognition that plant-based foods are critical in tackling chronic illness such as cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It aims to advance our understanding of plant-based nutrition and address diet-related chronic illness globally.

Lycoderm by Lycored.Lycored has announced the results of new research on its ingestible skincare line Lycoderm. The new paper introduces the results of the latest research on the benefits of Lycoderm in promoting a healthier relationship with the sun and calming skin inflammation. The study provides new evidence of the role of carotenoids in enhancing skin resilience at a molecular level. The company says that research in ingestible skincare is an area where it has invested in a lot of research over the years. Research commissioned by the global wellness company – including an award-winning study – has helped build the body of evidence for the role of carotenoids in skincare, for example. It has also helped the company to both create and develop Lycoderm, its proprietary blend of tomato phytonutrients and rosemary leaf for skincare supplements. The study has come as consumers increasingly understand that ingestible skincare offers a path to more natural skincare. Consumer research by Lycored shows that two-thirds of consumers now think the idea of taking a supplement for skin health or beauty is normal while only 14 percent think it is not. This proves the growing market for nutritional health solutions, the company says.

The US-based National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will fund selected US universities and research centers as a part of a new Human Genome Reference Program (HGRP). Totaling approximately US$29.5 million, the grants are a move to support research on the reference sequence of the human genome. These funds will be instrumental for making advances in DNA sequencing technology and computational methods possible. By advancing the quality of the available reference sequence of the human genome, the HGRP will enable researchers to find disease-causing variants and specify their genomic locations with markedly increased accuracy. This funding will allow scientists to not only improve the reference sequence but also report results in a way that can be used in other analyses of genome sequence data.

In brief: Awards and certifications
Taiyo’s Sunfiber and SunCran have received a glyphosate residue-free certification by The Detox Project. With this certification, products made with these beneficial ingredients will have an even greater clean label appeal for consumers, the company says. Moreover, Taiyo and its customers can use The Detox Project Glyphosate Residue Free Certified icon. Glyphosate, an ingredient in weed killers, is considered a probable human carcinogen according to the International Agency on Research for Cancer. The Detox Project certification attests that a product has gone through analysis for levels of glyphosate, by third-party ISO-certified laboratories at least three times a year. 

In brief: Launches and releasesYour Immuniq Syrup by PharmaLinea.
PharmaLinea showcased its latest innovations at Vitafoods Asia this week, highlighting clinical substantiation. Liquid products from the company’s Your Immuniq Line and Your Iron Line both have ongoing clinical trials and were available for presentation and sampling. Moreover, Pharmalinea showcased its user-friendly delivery forms. The company is extending its lines by adding a new innovative delivery form to its portfolio. Iron and vitamins K2+D3 will soon be available in sprays. “Not only do sprays facilitate intake for most sensitive populations, but they also offer an adaptable dosing medium and enable high bioavailability of micronutrients,” the company notes. Lastly, bringing differentiation to the booming beauty market Asia-Pacific, PharmaLinea presented an innovative beauty shot. The product is dubbed a “development achievement” with high-quality branded collagen and curcumin sources. Your In-Beauty Shot brings clear differentiation, solid scientific support and improved bioavailability, the company says. Additionally, the product is sugar-free and tasteful.

In brief: Appointments and promotions
Microalgae ingredients developer Algatech has appointed a new CEO. Doron Safrai will replace Hagai Stadler, who has been leading the company for the last few years. The company hopes that Safrai’s experience will support Algatech as it works to fulfill its mission to unlock and share the power of microalgae by continuing to explore its wide-ranging applications, as well as bring its algae-derived products to market. The appointment of the new CEO comes after the company joined the Solabia Group, a global biotechnology, fine chemicals and plant extraction technologies expert as the nutrition platform for existing products. Looking ahead, the company will launch a new product related to the use of β-1,3-glucan derived from Euglena gracilis. The future launch will mark its third release after FucoVital and AstaPure Astaxanthin.

Dutch-based food and health company NIZO Group BV has appointed Jeroen Koot as its new CEO since September 5. Based on NIZO’s expertise in dairy and fermentation Koot will be leading the organization into a new era of research projects related to the transition from animal to plant-based protein, health benefits and food safety. He has a strong track record in repositioning companies and implementing strategies for growth and customer value. Former CEO, Villaume Kal, is supporting a smooth transition to the new leadership.

By Kristiana Lalou