Biotics for GLP-1 and metabolic health: Where are the opportunities?
Pre, probiotics could be used as companion products for GLP-1 drugs users to tackle side effects of the drug’s use, or used as an alternative to help with weight management.
In Asia, about 3% of people use GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications regularly while 10% are irregular users, based on a research conducted by Lumina Intelligence last November.
The survey collected responses from 6,000 individuals from nine countries across the world, including China, Japan, South Korea, UK, France, Italy, and the US.
Haleon eyes growth opportunities in lower income markets
Haleon is banking on growth opportunities in lower income consumer segments such as India, and the Philippines, amid ongoing headwinds in the US market.
The UK-headquartered multinational said it has a “strong forward pipeline” of lower income offerings for the next 24 months.
It announced the above during its FY25 first half results presentation on July 31.
Rohto reveals Eu Yan Sang growth plans and findings on TCM, microbiome
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) supplement brand Eu Yan Sang has recently launched in Australia, with plans for Japan, Vietnam, and US entry further down the road, says parent company Rohto which also revealed new findings on microbiome and TCM.
Osaka-headquartered Rohto Pharmaceutical announced its outlook and initiatives for the TCM brand during its financial results presentation for Q1 FY26 on August 6.
During the quarter, Rohto’s internal medicine / food portfolio in which Eu Yan Sang is a part of, saw an increase of 150.7% in sales to 15.9bn yen (US$107.6m).
BYHEALTH profits down 17%, looks to SEA for new growth
China health supplements giant BYHEALTH has continued to see a decline in its sales and profits, and the company is pumping more resources to grow its international business, especially in South East Asia.
Net profit attributed to shareholders of the company dropped 17.34% to RMB736.5m (US$102.5m) in the first half of 2025.
Operating revenue fell 23.43% year-on-year to RMB 3.5bn (US$491.7m).
Vitamin D for bone strength: Four products removed as evidence lacking - TGA
Four vitamin D products making bone strength claims have been removed from the Australian market due to a lack of evidence, the local regulator said.
Six products remained in the market after the companies behind it took corrective action to remove the unsupported bone strength claims from their medicines and advertising.
One sponsor, Caruso’s Natural Health Pty Ltd, was also issued with an infringement notice for failing to hold evidence to support bone strength claim in its product Caruso’s Vitamin D3 1000IU.
Eye health: Emerging ingredients and research areas
While lutein and zeaxanthin are common ingredients used in eye health supplements, there is emerging research on ingredients such as red ginseng, citicoline, and cordyceps.
This is according to India-based contract research organization Vedic Lifesciences.
It also believes that future research could explore how age-related cognitive decline affects eye health, especially with a growing aging population across the world.
Calcium, protein the most used supplements among China centenarians
Calcium and protein are the most used health supplements among China centenarians, according to a new study involving over 2,800 centenarians.
According to findings published in Geroscience, about one in 10 Chinese centenarians used dietary supplements.
The prevalence was higher in men, with 12.3% of male centenarians taking health supplements, as compared to 10.7% among females.
Japanese firm launches eye supplement with habit support app for ‘supplement refugees’
Japanese firm YURU Co Ltd has introduced a new eye supplement containing liposomal lutein and coupled it with a proprietary habit support app catering to “supplement refugees”.
Named LUTE VITA, the product is aimed at addressing the damage caused by daily exposure to blue light and ultraviolet rays, as well as the growing health and beauty consciousness among modern consumers.
The ingredients were selected and formula developed by YURU’s CEO, Takayuki Seko, who has a PhD in Pharmacy and is a behavioral science researcher.
MFDS considers hydrolyzed milk protein as sleep support ingredient
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is considering the approval of hydrolyzed milk protein as an ingredient for improving sleep quality.
The MFDS is gathering public feedback on the above until September 22.
Currently, hydrolyzed milk protein can only be used in health functional foods on an individual approval basis in South Korea.
a2MC doubles down on China label infant formula with new plant purchase
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) is set to buy a manufacturing facility from Yashili New Zealand in the hopes of ramping up its China label infant formula business.
The purchase will be done by buying all of the shares in Yashili New Zealand Dairy Co. Limited from Yashili International Group Limited - a subsidiary of China Mengniu Group for approximately NZD$282m (US$167.4m).
The transaction is expected to close on September 1, 2025, the firm announced during the release of its its 2025 annual results yesterday (August 18).
