Will more pharma companies take the nutraceutical industry’s approach to preventative health?

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Is the pharmaceutical industry following the nutraceuticals industry’s lead on preventative health? In a report prefacing the November pharmaceutical trade show CPhI Worldwide, experts from Sirio Pharma wrote that, in the long-term, more pharmaceutical companies will begin pursuing non-pharmaceutical health products, including apps, dietary supplements, and natural ingredients, as more consumers prioritize health maintenance and natural solutions.

According to the Sirio report authors, “The findings explore the long-term trends underway in the global nutraceutical industry, with consumers predicted to increase spending on natural products and sustainable formulations that can offer ‘preventative or proactive’ health benefits. Consequentially, it is likely we will see pharma companies increasingly introducing nutraceutical formulations and forming strategic partnerships with CDMOs to develop new products.”

Themes in the nutraceuticals industry, including the use of natural ingredients and multifunctional product formulas that holistically address multiple aspects of health, such as those supporting immune and digestive health at the same time, will begin taking hold in the pharma space.

Like the nutraceutical industry, pharma will begin paying closer attention to mental wellness with products that address mood. The Sirio authors point to ingredients like ashwagandha, ginseng, and saffron that will continue generating excitement in both industries for their anti-stress, sleep-promoting, and cognitive-boosting properties.

In a press release, Dominique Baum, MD, at Sirio Europe, said: “The growth in preventative approaches to health as a consumer trend has not gone unnoticed by pharma companies, which are looking to use their often highly trusted and valuable brands to open up new markets. This means looking at non-pharmaceutical or alternative pharmaceutical methods that can be sold as part of the overall package to improve health—everything from apps and dietary advice to supplements. It then becomes important for pharmaceutical companies to work with GMP-certified manufacturers that also have experience in nutraceutical innovation.”

Pharma companies will also turn first to ingredients with approved health claims and strong research evidence backing their efficacy, such as omega-3 fatty acids, the authors said. Pharma companies are also increasingly inspired by “enjoyable dosage forms” touted by the nutraceuticals industry, including gummies and softgels.

Orhan Caglayan, brand director, CPhI Worldwide, added in the press release, “What our report shows is that pharma brands have been inspired by some of the consumer-friendly innovations seen in nutraceuticals, and with overall wellness, sustainability, and plant-based diets proliferating, many nutra formulations meet these three intersecting trends. More generally, we are seeing a growth in ingredients like adaptogens, probiotics, and mood-health formulations. And, in the medium-term, we expect large growth in gummies and innovative delivery forms as they fit easily within overall health regimens and of course perfectly meet the growing trend of patient centricity. So, over the next few years, we anticipate many more novel and natural nutraceutical ingredients at CPhI Worldwide as consumers look to take a much more active role in ensuring health and wellness year-round.”

The full report is available for download at cphi-online.com