Sean Moloughney01.01.11
Utilizing unique fermentation processes, Fluxome A/S, Denmark, Copenhagen, delivers safe, natural, premium nutraceutical ingredients from secure, renewable sources. Founded in 2002 as an offshoot of a research group at the Technical University of Denmark, the company was formed to develop a technology platform for the production of nutrients in a controlled setting, according to Herbert Woolf, president and CEO of Fluxome Inc., the company’s U.S. commercial subsidiary, which recently relocated to Easton, PA.
“Producing high value micronutrients in this way ensures product purity,” he noted. “We have a clean workplace environment producing absolutely pure nutrients in a controlled setting. This is important because since 2001 bio-security has become a reality.” The company also emphasizes adherence to current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Its main product, trans-resveratrol, can be applied to dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. With so much hype surrounding resveratrol, a bioactive antioxidant compound found in red wine, Fluxome recently helped organize Resveratrol2010, an international scientific conference on resveratrol and health, which took place in Denmark in September. The conference allowed researchers from around the world to discuss their latest scientific findings, sharing research on resveratrol and obesity, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and longevity.
Dr. Woolf said this conference was the first opportunity to assess the value and strength of current science and for colleagues to collaborate and set new directions. “There has been an unbelievable escalation in publication of articles and research findings on resveratrol,” he noted. “Many of these researchers never had the opportunity to be together to discuss their findings and to have a forum with peer interaction. This was an organized discussion to define new directions.”
More than 150 participants from 25 different countries attended, discussing a range of publications and developing recommendations for future resveratrol research. Another conference is planned for 2012.
In addition to producing resveratrol, Fluxome has a partnership with Norway-based GlycaNova, a biotechnology company that developed a natural beta-glucan product through a unique fermentation process. The final product, Fluxome Beta Glucan, has been involved in several clinical trials confirming its immune-enhancing effects in humans, according to the company. The agreement gave Fluxome exclusive rights to market and sell the product in the U.S. dietary supplement market.
The cooperation utilizes GlycaNova’s technology platform and the ability to develop and manufacture products with enhanced biological effect by using its patented fermentation and separation technology. “By using fermentation and very mild processing conditions they have optimized the efficacy of beta-glucan,” Dr. Woolf explained.
In other ingredient developments, Fluxome will be offering a vegetarian, environmentally friendly and sustainable EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) product that is free of toxins and contaminants. The company also has plans to develop a DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) product, as well as a single component arachidonic acid (ARA) product, which will be introduced to the global food and supplement market in the future.
Overall, Dr. Woolf said he believes the nutraceuticals industry will continue to benefit from consumers’ desire for pure nutrients that will ensure health and nutrition, despite a shaky economy. “The growth in the industry is still buoyed by a strong driver, which is the concern or self-interest that gatekeepers, or any household manager, have in regard to the nutrition and well-being of their household.”
While the company is doing more business in the cost-competitive, value market today because of the economy, Fluxome offers premium ingredients that mainly attract companies seeking products with a full regulatory profile in terms of safety and efficacy, as well as early-adopter companies looking for exclusively premium products that are highly pure and efficacious. With several clinical studies supporting its products, and more underway, Fluxome is positioned to offer safe ingredients that are proven to work for years to come.—S.M.
Fluxome Inc.
400 Northampton Street, Suite 600
Easton, PA 18042
Telephone: 484-546-0321
Fax: 484-546-0323
E-mail: info@fluxome.us
Website: www.fluxome.com
