Capsugel and Cardax to collaborate on development of proprietary Astaxanthin products

The goal of the collaboration is to commercialize proprietary formulations of nature-identical synthetic astaxanthin products with pharmaceutical-grade purity that will provide improved oral bioavailability compared with other astaxanthin products on the market. Astaxanthin is currently used as a specialized antioxidant.

The astaxanthin products will be jointly developed using Capsugel’s proprietary lipid multi-particulate (LMP) technology, which encapsulates dissolved or suspended active ingredients into spherical lipid matrix particles for oral dosage in capsules, sachets, suspensions or tablets. LMP technology utilizes a range of approved lipids to deliver the benefits of lipid-based formulations in multi-particulate format, including improved bioavailability, controlled release and effective taste-masking. The companies will seek a strategic partner for retail commercialization in the mass market. Specific business terms were not disclosed.

"Our strategic partnership with Cardax provides an opportunity to be at the forefront of developing unique astaxanthin products for consumer health applications," said Amit Patel, Capsugel SVP and Dosage Form Solutions President. "Our premier bioavailability enhancement technology suite and lipid-based formulation expertise, coupled with our encapsulation know how and infrastructure, will be leveraged to meet our partner’s product profile and commercial goals of a high quality final dosage form."

"Our collaboration with Capsugel provides the formulation expertise and infrastructure necessary for the advancement of proprietary astaxanthin products for consumer health applications," added David G. Watumull, Cardax President and CEO. "Participation in more of the consumer health value chain as a true partner with Capsugel could add substantially to our revenues, and the new intellectual property anticipated from this collaboration may provide a meaningful competitive advantage."