Capsugel, Cardax Partner To Synthesize Astaxanthin Anti-Inflammatory Products
By Cyndi Root
Capsugel and Cardax announced in a press release that they have formed a partnership to jointly develop astaxanthin anti-inflammatory products. Using Capsugel’s proprietary lipid multi-particulate (LMP) technology, the two companies intend to manufacture products for oral dosage in capsules, suspensions, or tablets. Currently, astaxanthin is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved as a food dye and deemed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Cardax is using this approval and GRAS qualification to move synthetic formulations of astaxanthin and other compounds into pharmaceutical products.
David Watumull, President and CEO of Cardax, said, “Our collaboration with Capsugel provides the formulation expertise and infrastructure necessary for the advancement of proprietary astaxanthin products.”
Amit Patel, Capsugel SVP and Dosage Form Solutions President, stated that the strategic partnership offers his company the opportunity to be at the forefront of developing new formulations. The two companies did not disclose the financial terms of the arrangement, but they did say they are seeking a retail partner for commercialization.
Synthetic Astaxanthin
Capsugel has a lipid multi-particulate (LMP) technology that uses a spherical lipid matrix to encapsulate dissolved or suspended active ingredients. Using a variety of lipids allows the technology to provide the benefits of lipid-based formulations. Additionally LMP improves bioavailability, taste-masking, and controlled release. Astaxanthin will be manufactured in Capsugel’s bioavailability enhancement suite in a high quality final dosage form.
About Cardax
A life sciences company, Cardax is developing pharmaceutical products with the benefits of anti-inflammatories, such as steroids or NSAIDS, with better safety profiles. The company calls its products, “nature-identical.” Potential applications are osteoarthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hepatitis, cognitive decline, macular degeneration, and prostate disease. Astaxanthin technologies are its leading focus, targeting immune system suppression, liver damage, cardiovascular disease risk, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Capsugel Facilities
Capsugel’s manufacturing facilities are worldwide. The company has two product development Centers (PDCs) in France and Scotland. It has 10 manufacturing locations and a total of 2,800 people working in all facilities. Making more than 200 billion capsules a year, Capsugel makes softgels, hard capsules, and liquid fills.