Nestlé Health Science and Amazentis partner on a new class of “breakthrough” cellular nutrients

02 May 2019 --- Nestlé Health Science has entered into a strategic partnership with Amazentis, a pioneer in science-driven nutritional health, to develop its new cellular nutrient Urolithin A. The collaboration comes as Nestlé continues to diversify its portfolio, strengthening its position in consumer healthcare and medical nutrition. As part of the collaboration, the two companies will also conduct a joint research program to expand applications of Urolithin A – a pioneering cellular nutrient that supports mitochondrial health – into new consumer health and medical areas.

Nestlé Health Science, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nestlé, will take an equity stake in Lausanne-based Amazentis and receive global rights to use Amazentis’ patented Urolithin A, technology for dietary supplements, select foods and beverages and medical nutrition products. Amazentis retains co-exclusive rights for the online distribution of dietary supplements and select food products as well as exclusive global rights for distribution of certain other defined categories.

“Advancing cellular nutrition is a key component of our strategy to bring new benefits to consumers and patients,” says Greg Behar, CEO of Nestlé Health Science. “Amazentis’ impressive science in the field of mitochondrial health opens significant new opportunities for us. Our global strategic partnership will include a significant investment to support further research and development of Urolithin A.” 

Urolithin A is a metabolite compound resulting from the transformation of ellagitannins by gut bacteria. It is a bioactive dietary metabolite that is naturally produced when eating certain foods, such as pomegranate, however, it can be difficult for most people to get enough of this specialized nutrient from food alone. 

Pomegranates have long been touted as a fruit containing potential anti-aging properties that may improve endurance and muscle strength.

Urolithin A is promoted as the first natural bioactive to improve mitochondrial function by activating mitophagy, a process by which aging and damaged mitochondria are cleared from the cell. Optimal mitochondrial function is central to cell metabolism and overall health. This is part of a new class of nutrients, called cellular nutrients, which go beyond traditional macro and micronutrients and are clinically proven to improve cellular health. 

The science behind Urolithin A has been published in Nature Medicine and a Phase One clinical study was successfully completed, demonstrating a beneficial impact on biomarkers of mitochondrial health in plasma and in skeletal muscle tissue. Two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase two trials are being conducted to quantify the impact of Urolithin A on muscle health and function as well as other parameters. 

Urolithin A (UA) also has a strong safety profile as recognized by its recent, successful Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) filing with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The deal marks an important step forward in Nestlé’s science-driven nutrition portfolio and supports its broader growth strategy of positioning its portfolio towards attractive high-growth categories. 

Amazentis is a growing clinical stage biotech company positioned in the consumer health and clinical nutrition sectors acting at the intersection of the food and pharma industries. It employs “best-in-class” science to discover and develop new products to manage specific health needs and support an active lifestyle.

The company has established an extensive intellectual property portfolio and know-how around UA, enabling the manufacture and development of advanced nutrition products for human applications. 

“Nestlé Health Science truly see the future of nutrition and share our vision of developing a new generation of clinically-validated nutrients to counteract cellular aging, says Chris Rinsch, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CEO Amazentis. 

“Urolithin A is the only clinically tested natural bioactive shown to improve mitochondrial health by activating the selective recycling of damaged mitochondria,” he notes.

“This partnership will enable us to make this breakthrough more widely available and will support consumers in the proactive management of their cellular health."

The partnership comes at a time when the potential for science-based nutritional solutions is accelerating. It closely follows Nestlé Health Science opening a new US$70 million R&D facility in New Jersey, US, in an effort to establish a global research and development hotspot to reinforce the company’s nutritional expertise. Nestlé Health Science now has a network of 30 R&D centers globally. 

Three years ago when Amazentis Swiss scientists launched the biotech start-up, it was on its way to developing finely calibrated doses of UA. And now, it will be interesting to see the results of this strategic partnership and how, by collaborating with such a giant as Nestlé, the advancement of cellular nutrients will quickly gather pace. 

NutritionInsight has reached out to both companies for more information. 

By Gaynor Selby