The pioneering trio, who together made up the Pioneers Hub at Probiota, spoke to NutraIngredients on the challenges as well as the rewards of venturing solo in an industry full of possibilities.
“Beo Therapeutics was founded because we saw an opportunity in combining the best of research and development from the food-supplement and the pharmaceutical industry,” explains Rikke Nielsen, CEO and Founder of Beo Therapeutics.
“The fast development of new products by the food-supplement industry and the pharmaceutical approach to understanding mode-of-action is a strong fusion.
“At the interface between food and pharma there are many opportunities to develop new and interesting products.”
Uncharted territory
As the name suggests, the Probiota Pioneers were selected for their efforts in treading an uncharted path within the industry dealing with and addressing its uncertainties and potential pitfalls.
“We focused on the market joining strategic partners for this goal,” CEO of Genbioma Josune Ayo says of her strategy in developing her Spain-based start-up.
“The key was to establish an External Advisory Board from the scientific and sectoral environment with a clear view to track the sector and attract new partners to open up the international market.
“In addition, multicentre nutritional intervention and clinical trials in both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are running in partnership with universities and hospitals, with a view to obtaining specific health claim authorisations.”
Science driven skincare
For Søren Kjærulff, CEO of this year’s remaining pioneer Lactobio, the focus was very much on the link between the gut and skin health and whether this could translate into effective products.
“Lactobio is tapping into science driven skincare,” explains Kjærulff. “Consumers are turning increasingly towards science-driven skincare brands.
“The firm is also tapping into natural ingredients: consumers will and are looking for potent ingredients that last longer which is driving interest in fermented beauty, this trend includes skin rewilding which means protecting the skin’s unique microbiome and respecting its natural balance through probiotic-based products.
“We’re also looking at a an inside out approach, where the focus is on what is put into our bodies at the same time as looking at what is put onto the skin directly based around holistic approach,” Kjærulff adds.
“Consumers today are much more aware of the links between gut health, hormone balance and wellbeing and the impact these have on skin health, this includes supplements.”
