Kirin’s subsidiary and California firm to develop probiotics for suppressing NEC
Tokyo-based Cowellnex is a group company of Kirin Holdings and was formed last September via a joint venture between Kirin and Kyowa-Kirin.
Siolta Therapeutics is based in California and specialises in microbiome science and developing products for preventing or treating microbiome-related diseases among women and infants, such as paediatric atopic diseases and bacterial vaginosis in women.
Both firms have signed an agreement to develop probiotics for suppressing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious condition which Johns Hopkins Medicine refers as “the death of intestinal tissue”. It is characterised by infection and inflammation in the gut.
Mirailab Bioscience’s NMN supplements enter Singapore via Shopee at prices comparable to Japan
Japanese biotech firm Mirailab Bioscience has launched its nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplements in Singapore via e-commerce platform Shopee, as it seeks to increase access through prices comparable to Japan.
Said to be particularly popular among affluent consumers in Japan and China, the firm’s NMN products are also available in the US and UAE, where its official online store was launched in June 2024.
On the back of these overseas expansions, Mirailab recently announced that it is partnering with Singapore distributor Global Ocean Distribution Pte Ltd to sell its products in the country.
Kewpie expands immune health portfolio with functional vinegar
Kewpie Brewing, a subsidiary of Kewpie Corporation best known for its mayonnaise, is expanding its range of products supporting immune health.
Its latest launch is a functional vinegar that contains the acetic acid bacteria Gluconacetobacter hansenii GK-1.
This is an acid-resistant gram-negative bacterium used in vinegar brewing, while vinegar is a main ingredient for making mayonnaise.
FANCL uses big data to uncover nutrition, menopause concerns among women
FANCL has analysed data collected from more than 18,000 Japanese women from its personalised nutrition service to build greater understanding of consumer needs and concerns.
Known as the “FANCL Health Big Data Survey“, the analysis looks at data collected from women who purchased FANCL’s personalised nutrition service “Personal One”.
Launched in 2020, the service makes health supplement recommendations based on consumer questionnaire and urine test results.
Japan amends nutrient labelling standards, on-label claim requirements based on new data
Japan has announced new amendments to the local Food Labelling Standards, particularly revolving around requirements for standard nutrient labelling values and requirements to be met for manufacturers to make on-label claims.
Standard nutrient labelling values here are in reference to values calculated based on a population-weighted average for nutrient intake according to gender and age, and are used to guide the recommended daily intake values of nutrients for Japanese consumers.