The hydrolyzed collagen type II contains hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate. BioCell said in a statement that this patent - the third to be awarded to the product - shows that its "ingredient and manufacturing process is supported by credible scientific research".
The patent protects BioCell's manufacturing process, and the preparation and use of hydrolzyed collagen type II powder compositions.
Dr William Judy, from the Southeastern Institute of Biomedical Research, spoke about the product in detail at last week's SupplySide West, where he explained what he sees as the unique features of this collagen over that produced by other companies.
"The reduced size of Biocell's product is the main difference meaning that it can be absorbed more easily by the body," Dr Judy told NutraIngredientsUSA.com.
Judy says that this is the first joint health product that produces a "happy patient and a happy joint" because it relieves pain and repairs the joint.
However, he explained that at the moment researchers do not know how long the product has to be taken to have any possible permanent benefits.
"About three million people in the US have taken the supplement for three years and they have found that the pain stays away and that the joint goes down in size," said Judy, adding that patients have said it takes 15 to 20 days for this to happen and that if they stopped taking the supplement it took two to four months for the pain to return.
He would now like to see some long-term trials carried out and believes the FTC will force this to come about, particularly after the recent removal of Merck's anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx from the shelves after the results of long-term trials were revealed.
However, he forsees no potential dangers with Biocell Collagen II because "it is not blocking any normal physiological processes" and "there are no side effects".
Judy noted that another advantage of this supplement is the fact it can be used in a variety of applications from powders to tabs to capsules and is being put into some foods and drinks. He added that the product is also easy to put into cosmetics.
"Many supplement products have a three years lifespan, but this product is here to stay as it addresses itself to helping a natural function and has no risk of toxicity" he concluded, noting that it had generated global interest at SupplySide from manufacturers in the US, Italy, Spain and China.
BioCell claims the collagen can be used to treat degenerative joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, joint defects, vascular disease, progressive myopia, cartilage injuries and connective tissue disorders.
The company also focuses attention on the collagen's perceived skin health benefits, noting that because the product is of low molecular weight it is easily absorbed and readily available for use in the body to reduce sun-induced wrinkles, protect connective tissues, promote cartilage synthesis, heal wounds and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Moreover, a study carried out last year by researchers at the Miami Research Associates suggested that BioCell Collagen II could help to manage chronic osteoarthritis.