WATCH: Nano Japan on its first black soybean-derived eye supplement and SEA distribution plans

Nano Optivue is a liquid supplement (30mL/sachet) claims to protect against digital eye strain, reduces eye fatigue, and improves focus.

It was first launched in Singapore, Malaysia and Japan, mostly through its website and e-commerce sites qoo10, Shopee and Lazada.

In Malaysia, Nano Optivue will also be available in Caring Pharmacy chains from March 2021.

Nano Japan, best known for its deer placenta and collagen supplements, already has a presence in Cambodia, Brunei, and Indonesia, and now hopes to introduce Nano Optivue within the next 12 months through e-commerce channels.

In addition, the company is eyeing potential in Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Eye science​

According to Dr Tommy Ong, co-founder and CEO at Nano Japan, the firm conceptualised the idea for Nano Optivue three years ago, after observing growing use of digital devices in children, adults and elderly.

“This has caused increasing eye strains, myopia and other eye conditions in Asia​.”

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic put additional strain as people had to work and study from home.

R&D for Nano Optivue was completed early last year, and the company had hoped to launch the supplement in March 2020, however, the pandemic delayed its plans.

Nano Optivue was jointly developed with eye research focused-Sozai Kinou Laboratory in Japan.

Sozai Kinou Laboratory is also the supplier of Kuromanin-10, one of the key active ingredients in Nano Optivue. Kuromanin-10 is a clinically studied ingredient extracted from black soybean seed coats, containing the functional cyanidin 3-glucoside.

Research published in the Japanese Review of Clinical Ophthalmology, Vol. 98, No. 11 ​found that 360mg of Kuromanin-10 daily for four weeks improved focus adjustment in people using visual display terminals.

The same study found significant improvement in visual acuity (eyesight) when consumption was continued for more than one month. Similarly, Kuromanin-10 administration was found to alleviate eye strain as well as shoulder stiffness among participants.

According to Nano Japan, cyanidin 3-glucoside is a powerful antioxidant, and the most effective anthocyanin because it can reach the eyes through the oral route. 

Eye supplement market​

According to Ong, most eye health supplements available in the market use common active ingredients such as lutein, zeaxanthin and maqui berry.

While these had eye health benefits, Ong said most of these products typically only contain one or two active ingredients, which is then supplemented with micronutrients like vitamins. Watch the video to find out more.

Nano Optivue contains five active ingredients supplemented with micronutrients. They are quercetin, astaxanthin (120mg), lutein (18mg), blackcurrant, maqui berry extract, vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12 and Kuromanin-10 (50mg).

The ingredients are all sourced and the supplement manufactured in Japan.

Ong said this supplement suitable for children above four years old, working adults and the elderly.

Nano Optivue is a liquid supplement which Ong explained allowed the active ingredients to be more easily absorbed by the body  and within two hours.

The recommended dosage for Nano Optivue is once every two days. For digital screen-heavy users, it is recommended to take once daily.

Nano Japan is planning to launch two supplements later this year, for men and women health. There are also four products in the R&D pipeline.