Aker BioMarine’s krill oil for joint health included in the Australian registry of assessed medicine

11 Sep 2023 --- Aker BioMarine’s Superba Boost Krill oil is included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) as an “assessed listed” medicine. This listing for the krill oil used by the Swisse brand in the region means that the evidence for the ingredient’s efficacy has been evaluated.

The ingredient can carry two specific indications on the market, exclusive to Swisse for the next five years. In cases of mild to moderate osteoarthritis, the oil can claim to decrease, reduce or relieve knee pain and stiffness and increase knee physical function. 

“This is a big milestone for the team at Aker BioMarine as we have spent over a decade conducting research to understand and uncover the full potential of krill,” Ian Chant, general manager at Aker BioMarine Antarctic Australia, tells Nutrition Insight. 

“The Swisse Superba Boost Krill oil product now has a unique identifier on the label, giving consumers clear indication that the product claims have been evaluated against the evidence provided and considered fit for purpose.” 

“The ARTG system is stronger than most globally, so this approval for krill oil is significant and allows us to differentiate from other osteoarthritis options. This listing further proves that our ingredient is safe, effective and backed by science – this is another added layer to show the quality of our ingredient.”

Product evaluation 
Chant explains that an ARTG listing requires pre-market assessment. Only products with high-quality scientific evidence can be assessed.  

“Well-designed, powered and run randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies are accepted as evidence. They are scrutinized for statistical and clinical significance.”

“We hope this new listing will further demonstrate the true power and potential of krill oil, especially its impact on joint health and those who suffer from joint issues. We also see the potential for krill oil with cross-border e-commerce efforts as many Asian countries look toward Australia as a leading source for high-quality supplements.”

In mild to moderate osteoarthritis, the oil can decrease, reduce or relieve knee pain and stiffness and increase knee physical function.A recent trial by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization – Australia’s national science agency – concluded that Superba Boost can help to reduce knee pain in adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. In addition to significantly reducing pain, the trial showed that Superba Boost also helped improve stiffness and physical function in the participants’ knees. 

The study was sponsored by H&H Research, the research arm of the H&H group, which owns the Swisse brand. It was conducted across three clinical trial sites in Australia, evaluating 235 adults between 40 and 65 years who had been clinically diagnosed with mild to moderate knee pain. 

TGA assessed 
The Therapeutic Goods Authority (TGA) Australia approved Swisse Superba Boost Krill oil as a “Medicine Assessed Listed,” leading to its entry in the ARTG listing, highlights Chant. The efficacy of the product is evaluated pre-market, which is a prerequisite to use the claim “TGA Assessed” on the product label. 

“The ‘TGA Assessed’ logo will inform consumers about the high levels of evidence used to support the claims, allowing them to develop stronger trust in the ingredient used to make the claims,” underscores Chant.  

Swisse can add product claims to labels and consumer advertising. 

“It is great to see companies like Swisse Wellness securing access to this regulatory pathway,” comments John O’Doherty, CEO of Complementary Medicines Australia.  

“It means more specific evidence-based information for consumers and highlights the benefits of complementary medicines.” 

Australian market 
Chant sees growth in the Australian market for supplements and nutrition as the elderly population continues to grow. “We are seeing this in various parts of the world.”  

“As many Australians continue to connect health and diet as they age with rising healthcare costs, companies in the dietary supplement and nutrition sector will have the opportunity to capitalize on new products and opportunities.” 

The TGA Assessed logo will inform consumers about the evidence used to support the claims.“Joint health is a major factor when it comes to aging. Therefore, this new listing directly responds to this market trend. When it comes to general product attributes and dietary supplements, we know that a good majority of consumers look for products that are clinically researched or science-backed.”

Chant adds that Superba Boost Krill oil provides consumers with a natural alternative to pain relief without side effects, thus increasing the options available to choose an approach that provides their desired pain relief effect with lower risk.

Additional health benefits 
Aker BioMarine invests in research in the omega 3 source to ascertain it is safe to consume and can lead to improvements in knee pain, stiffness and physical function in adults, in addition to heart and brain benefits. 

“As a multi-benefit ingredient, Superba Boost Krill oil has lots of potential for joint health and beyond,” explains Chant. “For years, Aker BioMarine has invested in clinical studies across various health categories including, but not limited to, joint, heart, brain and liver health as well as sports performance, muscle strength and more.” 

“We are conducting research both directly and through open innovation partnerships in the field of healthy aging, skin care, liver care and we are excited about their potential to improve human health.”

He notes that the possible health benefits of krill oil are endless. One significant factor that makes krill oil stand out is its natural combination of essential cellular nutrients: phospholipids, omega 3 EPA/DHA, choline and astaxanthin. 

Recently, Aker BioMarine achieved new dietary ingredient status in the US for Lysoveta. This brain health ingredient is also derived from krill, allowing the company to market the new ingredient in the US.

By Jolanda van Hal