The EU Medical Devices Regulation (MDR, 2017/745), which came into force in May 2017, must be implemented by 26th May 2020. So far, only five Notified Bodies are able to certify products under the new regulation. As far as we know, only two products have been CE certified under MDR, one being BSI for [...]
In the food sector, plant proteins are widely used both in conventional and in organic markets. Although animal protein consumption is increasing at global level, the EU is seeing the emergence of low animal protein diets. Recent changes across some EU countries suggest the beginning of a shift back towards plants and to less [...]
We dedicate this October issue to the protein paradigm shift and to a potential MDR Corrigendum. Also, meet us next week at CPhI in Frankfurt! […]
Following a notification of leaf powder of Moringa stenopetala as a traditional food from a third country pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 (Novel Food Regulation), EFSA was asked by the European Commission whether there are safety objections to the notification. EFSA found, due to the lack of information regarding the quality [...]
For the last 10 years, EFSA has been evaluating/updating the values for macronutrients such as proteins and carbohydrates, as well as 14 vitamins and 13 minerals. EFSA’s latest scientific opinion about dietary reference values (DRVs) was published this month, setting the DRVs for sodium and chloride. DRVs is an umbrella term for science-based nutrient reference values for [...]
We dedicate this September issue to the end of EFSA’s evaluation of Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) for macronutrients and two safety objections by EFSA for traditional foods from a third country. […]
Background – What changed from MDD to MDR? What are the main implications for substance-based medical devices? In May 2017, the Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) entered into force, replacing the old Medical Decide Directive (MDD; 93/42/EEC medical devices). So theoretically, for a time period of 3 years following the entry into force [...]
We dedicate this August issue to how to keep your substance-based medical devices on the market. We can support you! […]
Let's meet at Vitafoods Asia – Booth P18! Vitafoods Asia is the No. 1 nutraceutical trade show in Asia, bringing together science, business, and government agencies. If you are planning to be in Singapore between the 25th and 26th of September, meet our team of experts at booth P18 during Vitafoods Asia. [...]
Under EU regulations, any food that was not consumed “significantly” prior to May 15, 1997 is considered to be a Novel Food (EU) 2015/2283) and requires a pre-market authorization. According to the Novel Food Regulation, two types of applications – for “typical” Novel Foods (Article 10) and for traditional foods from third countries (non-EU) [...]
MeriCal, a contract manufacturer and packager of high quality probiotics and nutritional supplements, has recently signed a final commercial agreement to acquire Global Health Industries (GHI).
GHI is highly specialized in the manufacturing of probiotics. MeriCal’s acquisition of GHI will increase market competitiveness and will drive international expansion.
It has been reported by Bloomberg that Nestle is currently the top bidder for Merck KGaA’s, offering up to $5 billion. According to the sources, companies previously interested in this business have dropped out of the bidding, including Perrigo and Bain and Cinven, while Reckitt Benckiser and Mylan are still in the running. Nestle, frontrunner at the moment, has been strengthening its health business, and acquired Atrium Innovations for $2.3 billion last month.
Global ingredients company DSM has acquired Biocare Copenhagen, expanding their gut health portfolio for an undisclosed price. With this acquisition, DSM will increase its gut health portfolio with probiotics. The company has showed interest in gut health ingredients beyond the well-known indications for digestive and immune health.
Earlier this month, Nestlé announced that it agreed to acquire Atrium Innovations (transaction to be completed Q1 2018). Atrium is globally recognized for the development, production, and commercialization of innovative and scientifically-proven natural health products. Its strategy is complementary with Nestlé science-based natural solutions for consumers and health care professionals. With this acquisition, Nestlé will extend its consumer healthcare nutrition portfolio, and Atrium will compete more effectively in the global market place.
A clear evidence that silos between industries will be breaking down in the future.
Walgreens has announced that it will invest $416 million to acquire 40% stake in Sinopharm Holding GuoDa Drug Store Co., Ltd (GuoDa). Walgreens is the second-largest pharmacy store chain in the US behind CVS Health. GuoDa retails pharmaceutical and healthcare products across China.
Walgreens was already present in China through Alliance Boots. This new investment highlights the interest of Walgreens in the Chinese fast-paced retail pharmacy business.
Walgreens investment took place in the same week that CVS announced to spend $69 billion to buy Aetna, the third largest health insurer in the U.S. CVS also has international operations but has not revealed interest in China yet.
Frutarom licensed AB-FORTIS in 2012 and now is buying the patent. AB-Fortis is a micro-encapsulation system that allows delivering 100% of the recommended daily amount of iron in a single dose, with high bioavailability and no adverse effects in taste or during digestion. “AB-Fortis expands Frutarom’s diverse product portfolio in the growing field of specialty healthy ingredients,” says Dr Raimund C. Hoenes, General Manager of Frutarom Health. With this transaction, AB-BIOTICS will focus on its probiotics business, which represents 87% of its total sale. In addition, the sales of AB-FORTIS will support the great R&D investment that AB-BIOTICS has done to reinforce their current probiotics concepts.
Relevium has signed a non-binding agreement to acquire an American nutraceutical e-brand that sell their products mainly through Amazon.
Relevium is a publicly traded company focused on growth through the acquisition of businesses, products and/or technologies with a focus on e-commerce in the growing health and wellness market. The value of this transaction is currently estimated at 1,15 mill EUR and it is foreseen to be closed on the 30th of November this year.
Last summer, Relevium completed the acquisition of BioGanix, another e-commerce brand and they have plans to conclude more transactions with e-retail brands in the future.
In September, color-ingredients manufacturer Roha (India) completed the acquisition of New Foods Industry S.p.A., an Italian company.
Roha is a leader in the color-ingredients market worldwide, and New Foods Industry is specialized in dry ingredients for the food and beverage industries.
This is the third acquisition for Roha during this year, enabling its further consolidation in the color business.