SunWay Biotech details Gnosis by Lesaffre partnership and MenaQ7 vitamin K

29 Mar 2024 --- The recently announced partnership between SunWay Biotech and Gnosis by Lesaffre culminated in the launch of MenaQ7 Metabolic vitamin K2. Nutrition Insight catches up with John Pan, the president of SunWay Biotech to discuss the new solution’s health benefits, product development through fermentation technology and how market trends inspired the joint venture. 

“Cardiovascular diseases have long been a significant global health concern, with the development of arteriosclerosis being one of the primary risk factors leading to cardiovascular events such as heart disease and stroke,” Pan states.

“Today’s consumers are progressively leaning toward non-chemical, natural alternatives over conventional Western medication, particularly statin drugs, for managing cardiometabolic health.”

Addressing SunWay Biotech’s goal of global expansion and product innovation, Pan adds: “The strategic collaboration with Gnosis by Lesaffre is centered on tackling cardiometabolic health with a comprehensive and nuanced approach.”

Metabolic solutions
Pan explains that arteriosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease. “It is a chronic condition characterized by the hardening, thickening and loss of elasticity in arterial walls, often caused by abnormalities in lipid metabolism.”

He asserts that recent studies have shown vitamin K2 can play a “critical role in preventing arteriosclerosis and reducing the overall risk of cardiovascular diseases. MenaQ7 Metabolic can improve arterial flexibility and activate ions of the matrix gla protein, the strongest inhibitor of calcium deposits in arteries and soft tissues.” 

“Regarding visceral fat reduction, MenaQ7 Metabolic improves extrahepatic K status, as represented by activated osteocalcin, improved adiponectin levels and reduction of abdominal and visceral fat. In addition to cardiometabolic support, vitamin K2 is also key to securing healthy bones,” Pan outlines. 

In addition, he reiterates that healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and limiting sugar intake are also crucial for cardiovascular well-being.

Fermentation innovation
SunWay Biotech leverages its fermentation technology to enhance the development and commercialization of natural functional ingredients, including MenaQ7 Metabolic. The company’s solution centers around a red yeast rice extract — Ankascin 568-R. 

“Our fermentation technology has significantly advanced the development and commercialization of the fermented botanical ingredient, Ankascin 568-R. Utilizing a patented closed-system solid-state fermentation process, SunWay capitalizes on natural fermentation methods, harnessing plant-based origins and matrices,” explains Pan.

John Pan, resident of SunWay Biotech (Credit: SunWay Biotech).“This innovative approach underscores SunWay Biotech’s dedication to enhancing product quality and safety,” he continues. Moreover, Ankascin 568-R is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and environmentally-friendly.

He argues that SunWay’s patented fermentation technique enhances production efficiency and quality while reducing the potential for human error and production time, thereby increasing throughput.

“This process achieves a 460% increase in productivity while also boasting a 75% reduction in energy usage and completely eliminating wastewater production. This stands in stark contrast to traditional red yeast rice liquid-state fermentation methods. The improvement in productivity, coupled with environmental benefits, underscores SunWay’s innovative approach to sustainable production.”

Business insights
Pan details the company’s plans for global expansion and product innovation, highlighting the strategies it has put in place alongside Gnosis by Lesaffre to leverage their collaboration effectively. 

“Gnosis by Lesaffre contributes with its vitamin K2 MenaQ7, a key ingredient known for enhancing arterial elasticity, reducing visceral fat and positively impacting bone health,” he explains.

“SunWay Biotech introduces Ankascin 568-R, which is instrumental in maintaining healthy blood pressure, a healthy lipid profile and regulated blood glucose levels, promoting overall metabolic well-being.”

Pan describes the specialized formula as representing a complementary approach stemming from the strategic collaboration between both companies aimed at addressing cardiometabolic health in the US market. 

“Furthermore, both Gnosis by Lesaffre and SunWay Biotech plan to extend the reach of this innovative formula to familiar markets in Asia and Europe, catering to the specific needs of their clientele.”

“This global strategy not only aims at promoting health but also at solidifying the companies’ standings in the market through product innovation and strategic collaboration,” he concludes. 

By Milana Nikolova