Catalent applies delayed release tech to Hofseth BioCare’s salmon oil

12 May 2021 --- Hofseth BioCare (HBC) is developing a delayed-release formulation of its OmeGo fish oil with Catalent. Catelent’s OptiGel DR capsule technology helps protect active ingredients that may be degraded by acid in the stomach. It also releases active ingredients directly in the intestines where they are absorbed, potentially enhancing bioavailability.

“OptiGel DR will enhance the OmeGo franchise, bringing advanced delivery technology as well as raising its profile among global leading healthcare companies,” says Dr. Bomi Framroze, chief scientific officer at HBC.

OmeGo is made from sustainable and traceable Norwegian Atlantic salmon. HBC is currently conducting studies to assess the potential role of OmeGo fish oil in preventing disease progression and helping to reduce inflammation, including in patients experiencing inflammation caused by the COVID-19 virus.

Results are expected over the coming months and will provide wide-ranging insights on the potential of OmeGo fish oil to help the body resolve inflammation driven by a viral infection.

“Our research into the health benefits of our unique oil has come a long way in the last 18 months. We look forward to collaborating with Catalent and hope to develop the partnership further to leverage its innovative oral technologies to ensure the most efficacious delivery system,” continues Framroze. 

Other recent moves from HBC include an Asian distribution deal and receiving purchase orders from Nestlé-owned Garden of Life for ProGo salmon protein hydrolysate. OptiGel DR capsule technology’s delayed-release profile offers many advantages. 

Multi-pronged advantages 
OptiGel DR technology, which launched last October, enables an enteric release profile for softgel capsules without the need for an additional external coating.

This employs a one-step manufacturing process, which avoids the heat and drying of the coating process that may otherwise degrade the fish oil.

Another benefit is that it preserves the clarity of the capsule, which is important for HBC to showcase the distinctive salmon pink color of OmeGo fish oil.

Catalent’s technology also retains the characteristic ease of swallowing associated with softgel dose forms.

“Our rich history and innovation in softgel technology has allowed us to create a dosage form that delivers ingredients and formulations with an enteric release profile in robust capsules, providing product performance to meet consumers’ expectations,” says Dr. Aris Gennadios, president of softgel and oral technologies at Catalent. 

In February, Catalent launched CosmoPod Duo, a softgel capsule for the delivery of topical skin treatments.

Edited by Katherine Durrell