Mundipharma to globally commercialize kiwifruit gut health supplement

07 Sep 2018 --- Pharmaceutical company Mundipharma has closed an asset purchase agreement with Vital Food Processors Limited, an agricultural science company founded in New Zealand, for the global rights to commercialize Zyactinase – a clinically-proven gastrointestinal consumer health product. Zyactinase is a freeze-dried extract of Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) that has been developed as a constipation relief product as well as for long-term gut health. It contains a protease complex, fiber, pectin and fructo-oligosaccharides that stimulates increased bowel movements. 

Under the agreement, Mundipharma will initially focus on the commercializing Zyactinase to establish a foothold in the US and Canadian markets, while continuing to supply existing partners. It will then look to expand its marketing and distribution footprint globally.

This agreement will also enable the extension of the company’s Senokot product range in the US, which is also an all-natural, clinically proven digestive health supplement for the treatment of constipation.
 
“We are delighted to have realized this opportunity to acquire a unique, clinically-proven differentiated formulation for commercialization on a global basis across our network,” says Mundipharma CEO, Raman Singh. 
 
“As well as providing a consumer pathway for a great product, this strategic acquisition also enables us to extend our depth and competitiveness in the digestive health category,” he adds.
 
“We believe this deal recognizes the value created by Vital Foods’ technology platform and that Mudipharma is a strong partner for the global commercialization of the clinically-proven digestive health product developed by Vital Foods’ team,” says Dr. Oliver Summerfield, Vital Foods CEO and Principal at majority investor Inventages Venture Capital.
 
Vital Foods’ was established to provide the digestive health benefits of kiwifruit through easy to consume digestive health products for all ages. The company’s first product on the market was Kiwi Crush, a frozen kiwifruit drink that is made available to most patients in hospitals and nursing home in New Zealand and is sold as a digestive aid in supermarkets in New Zealand. Vital Foods was formed by two dedicated kiwifruit industry experts and launched by a group of committed local New Zealand investors.