Weekly Roundup: Lonza reports sales growth in Capsules & Health Ingredients, Biden-Harris administration strengthens US infant formula access

22 Jul 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, Lonza reported CHF 3 billion (US$3.1 billion) in H1 2022, partially fueled by the Capsules & Health Ingredients division’s momentum driven by specialty capsules. The Biden-Harris administration strengthened infant formula access for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, while Abbott extended its WIC rebates for infant formula production and availability. Meanwhile, Dymatize unveiled its Complete Plant Protein, which ensures maximum delivery of high-quality protein before or after exercise.

In brief: Business news
Lonza reported sales of CHF 3 billion (US$3.1 billion) in H1 2022. The company’s Capsules & Health Ingredients delivered a consistent Core EBITDA margin of 35.2% compared to H1 2021, along with solid revenue growth, and saw the market continuing to trend toward the high growth area of specialty capsules. By the end of 2022, the company will have a 260 billion annualized capsule capacity. Compared to H1 2021, the division delivered 3.8% sales growth and a robust margin of 35.2%. Lonza has titanium dioxide-free white hard gelatin capsules within the specialty capsules range, which will meet new regulatory requirements for consumable goods in the EU. 

The Triple Action Dr. Formulated Probiotics line supports a healthy gut with a balanced blend of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics.In the US, the Biden-Harris Administration implemented steps to combat the shortage of infant formula in the US following Abbott Nutrition’s voluntary infant formula recall to address health and safety concerns at its Sturgis, Michigan manufacturing plant. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has outlined steps to improve WIC’s capacity for resilience, which helps low-income families with the expense of infant formula. These steps guarantee that WIC-dependent families can access safe and dependable infant formula options even in an emergency. Meanwhile, Abbott is extending its rebates until September 30, 2022, in states where Abbott has the contract when Similac is not available. The move aims to ensure that WIC program participants continue having access to formula.

In brief: Launches and releases
Mystic Labs unveiled its newest line of gummies, the High Potency Delta-8 THC Gummies. The gummies contain 50 mg of Delta-8 THC per gummy and come in five flavors, including atomic apple, blue raspberry breeze, hypnotic pink lemonade, mango madness and mixed berry magic. All flavors will be available in a 50-count bottle and every gummy product is independently lab tested to assure safety and compliance with all state and federal standards, making them federally compliant under the 2018 Farm Bill.

Dymatize Complete Plant Protein ensures maximum high-quality protein delivery before or after exercise.Canadian brand Unique Formula launched a product line consisting of Canada Gem, a Dual-Extracted Canadian Wild Chaga product in North America with the “highest potency of medicinal ingredients”. The Beauty Secret is a product line created to help regulate hormones, while the Daily Defense line “boosts” the immune system. The brand’s line also includes the Maternal & Child range that targets the nourishment and health of children from infancy through their teenage years.

The Triple Action Dr. Formulated Probiotics line from Garden of Life was released, targeting gut health support with a balanced combination of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics. The new range includes formulas that range from immune support to women’s pH balance. This triple action blend was developed by the Garden of Life team in collaboration with David Perlmutter, the doctor behind “Dr. Formulated” products. The created triple-action combination aids in the development and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are the components of the triple-action formula that operate in concert to remove harmful bacteria from the gut, add beneficial bacteria and provide nutrition to support the growth of the balanced microbiome.

Dymatize released its latest plant-based protein powders, aiming to elevate its plant protein portfolio. Dymatize Complete Plant Protein, a vegan and plant-based product with a complete amino acid profile, ensures maximum high-quality protein delivery before or after exercise. Five plant-based protein sources fuel it. Available in two flavors, Dymatize Complete Plant Protein in Creamy Chocolate and Smooth Vanilla is packed with 25 g of complete protein with 160 calories or less and 0 g of sugar per serving. Each scoop delivers 9.9 g of naturally occurring Essential Amino Acids, a key component for muscle support.

PLT Health Solutions’ Boswellia serrata-based AprèsFlex 5-Day Joint Support ingredient was proven to support joint function.Ortek Therapeutics is extending its BasicBites product line in 2022 by introducing BasicBites Synergy Plus soft chew. The solution has a patent application pending and combines Ortek’s ground-breaking microbiome oral care technology with essential nutrients to protect tooth enamel, maintain strong bones, and support the immune, cardiovascular and immune systems. BasicBites Synergy Plus will improve Ortek’s ability to take advantage of opportunities in the US$200 billion valued worldwide dental care, supplement and prebiotic industries.

In brief: Research and studies
OmniActive Health Technologies unveiled clinical research results concerning its Curcuwin Ultra+, the newest branded curcumin in the company’s portfolio. The findings support the highly bioavailable curcumin in Curcuwin Ultra+ can enhance circulation and recovery in people with active lifestyles and those who like sports nutrition. The study involved 135 patients with mild knee osteoarthritis. The participants received Curcuwin Ultra+ daily for 84 days in doses of 250 mg (50 mg curcuminoids) or 500 mg (100 mg curcuminoids). Both Curcuwin Ultra+ dosages exhibited early onset efficacy for overall joint health comfort and mobility as early as day five.

PLT Health Solutions revealed the clinical study on its Boswellia serrata-based AprèsFlex 5-Day Joint Support ingredient that provides further evidence of its ability to support joint health and function with statistically significant improvements in pain scores and biomarkers starting at only five days from initial consumption. AprèsFlex is a patented combination of two proprietary extracts derived from Boswellia serrata gum resin. The oral bioavailability of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) from AprèsFlex is significantly higher than that of other commercially available Boswellia extracts, which allows for a lower daily dose with enhanced efficacy. In the study, researchers examined the effectiveness of AprèsFlex in managing joint comfort and function. Beyond joint comfort and function improvements, AprèsFlex was also shown to offer a statistically significant impact on biological markers associated with joint health and inflammation metabolism.

By Nicole Kerr