Brain health is growing across the globe, especially in Asia Pacific as consumers are recognising its important connection to overall wellness.
Valued at approximately $2.85b in 2023, the APAC brain health market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 15.8% through 2030.1
The region is embracing a modern approach that prioritises focus, clarity, mood, stability and cognitive longevity to elevate everyday performance. This marks a significant shift from merely managing cognitive health to actively optimising mental potential. From professionals pursuing sharper concentration to students enhancing learning outcomes and older adults sustaining mental vitality, brain and mood health has become a universal pillar of overall wellbeing.
This momentum is transforming the category from niche to mainstream, creating new opportunities for companies like Aker BioMarine, and it’s starting with the adoption of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC).
LPC, a gamechanger in brain health
As awareness of brain health continues to rise, a more specific focus is emerging around LPC and its transport of omega-3 fatty acids into the brain via the MFSD2A transporter – a concept that’s becoming increasingly familiar to both brands and consumers. LPC is proving to be a true game-changer in the field of brain health.
From the very beginning, Singapore has played a pivotal role in advancing LPC as a brain-targeted omega-3 delivery agent – a breakthrough that has captured growing interest across neuroscience and pharmaceutical communities.
In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Singapore-based researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School began pioneering work on LPC as a ‘molecular mailbox’ for brain drug delivery.
Dr. David Silver, a distinguished researcher in brain health renowned for his groundbreaking work on lipid transport at the blood-brain barrier, is credited with discovering the MFSD2A-LPC pathway. Building on this discovery, a 2017 Nature study revealed that omega-3 fatty acids bound to LPC are transported to the brain at roughly twice the normal rate.2
However, as we age, the efficiency of the MFSD2A transporter naturally declines, leading to reduced omega-3 uptake in the brain.3 This is where LPC becomes especially important, in actually being able to increase the transport of these essential fats into the brain.
Beyond facilitating nutrient transport, LPC plays a vital role in maintaining the structure and function of brain cell membranes, supporting neuron signaling, myelination and cellular repair. It also serves as a key signaling molecule, influencing inflammation, neuroprotection and the brain’s own regenerative processes.
Aker BioMarine has previously collaborated with Dr. Silver to help advance the understanding of brain nutrient acquisition and developing therapies, such as Lysoveta®. With the help of Dr. Silver, Aker BioMarine has been able to work with key customers to launch brain supplements powered by Lysoveta.
Redefining next-generation brain health
Leveraging over 15 years of expertise in marine health innovation and deep knowledge of LPC from krill-derived ingredients, Aker BioMarine developed Lysoveta as a next-generation breakthrough in brain health.
Lysoveta is transported into the brain through the MFSD2A nutrient transporter, effectively crossing the blood-brain barrier. This allows EPA and DHA to reach where they matter most – the neurons.
Lysoveta delivers brain-ready omega-3s in the form the body prefers, promoting:
- Direct brain delivery Highest levels of LPC-bound omega-3 and choline available, efficiently transported via the MFSD2A pathway.4-7
- Neurogenesis and cognitive vitality Boosts BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) to support the growth and protection of new neurons.6
- Neurotransmitter support Provides choline for optimal neurotransmitter synthesis and brain signaling.
- Neuroprotection Enhances antioxidant defenses and supports myelin sheath integrity, helping preserve long-term brain function.8
Scientific discovery and a new clinical study
Lysoveta combines scientific rigor, trusted expertise and groundbreaking research to lead a new era in brain health. Building on its success in krill-based nutrition and powered by top academic partnerships, Aker BioMarine is redefining cognitive wellness.
Pre-clinical studies demonstrate that LPC-bound DHA achieves twice the DHA uptake and a seven-fold improvement in short-term memory compared to standard omega-3s.4 It has also been shown to elevate BDNF levels, supporting neuroplasticity, focus and resilience to stress.6 Together, these effects can translate to improved cognitive function, emotional balance and long-term brain health.
Aker BioMarine recently partnered with KGK Science Inc. to launch its first clinical trial for Lysoveta. This marks a major step in the clinical development of the product and reflects Aker BioMarine’s commitment to science-backed solutions for cognitive health.
The 18-month randomised, triple blind, placebo-controlled trial will involve 138 adults aged 50 to 75 with mild memory complaints. The goal is to evaluate Lysoveta’s impact on cognitive function, particularly memory, over 112 days. Secondary outcomes expected in early 2026, include mood, omega-3 status, BDNF levels and safety with interim results on mood.
Lysoveta’s strong scientific foundation, backed by more than 40 patents, New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) status in the US, and ongoing pre-clinical and clinical validation has earned it multiple industry accolades. In 2025, it was named a finalist for NutraIngredients-Asia Ingredient of the Year: Mind and Mood.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognised for Lysoveta by NutraIngredients-Asia for its potential in mood and mind,” says Ross Norris, General Manager, Asia Pacific at Aker BioMarine.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to scientific rigor, innovation and the future of cognitive health. We are incredibly proud of Lysoveta and its potential to shape the next generation of brain wellness solutions.”
Clinically designed LPC-based brain delivery solution
Lysoveta isn’t just another ingredient, it’s the only commercially available LPC-based brain delivery solution on the market today. Until now, only small quantities of synthetically produced material were available at high cost, primarily for research purposes. With the introduction of Lysoveta, LPC is now accessible in large volumes and at an affordable price.
“Consumers are increasingly interested in nutrients and supplements that support brain lifespan, and LPC is gaining traction as the best form of omega-3 for brain health,” adds Norris. “As seen in our initial product launches in Asia and the US, consumers are starting to actively seek out LPC as their go-to brain ingredient, which is very exciting for our company, as well as the industry.”
In late 2024, Xandro Lab made waves with the launch of LPC NEURO, a next-generation omega-3 supplement clinically designed to supercharge brain health and cognitive performance. At the heart of this innovation is Lysoveta, a cutting-edge form of omega-3 developed in collaboration with leading researchers from Duke-NUS. Due to its patented LPC delivery system, LPC NEURO does what others can’t – cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, setting a new gold standard in nutritional neuroscience.
In just six months, LPC NEURO exploded in popularity across Singapore, reaching over 10,000 consumers and becoming a go-to brain boost for adults, seniors, caregivers, exam-cramming students and burned-out professionals. The brand has also seen organic demand from across the world, including Europe, the US, Australia and Hong Kong. It’s now one of the top-selling omega-3 supplements on platforms like Shopee and TikTok, marking Xandro Lab’s fastest-growing product launch to date.
“The true measure of success lies in the results,” says Norris. “Users are reporting significant improvements in memory, focus, mood and deep sleep – validated by data from wearable sleep trackers. Momentum is building rapidly, with hospitals, researchers and international distributors, including those across Asia, expressing strong interest in partnering with LPC.”
Advancing brain health in APAC: The road ahead
As lifespans increase and cognitive demands intensify in APAC, the need for proven, science-backed solutions has never been greater, and Lysoveta is well-positioned to meet evolving consumer needs and regional wellness priorities.
“With a scientifically differentiated omega-3 delivery system tailored for performance and cognitive longevity, Lysoveta is uniquely positioned to help consumers move beyond generic wellness toward optimised brain function,” adds Norris.
“Success in this dynamic APAC region will rely on smart localisation such as translating science into meaningful benefits, adapting formulations for local preferences and navigating regulatory frameworks. This is the only way forward and we are committed to leading the way.”
As the science of brain health continues to evolve, one truth stands out: The future of wellness begins in the mind, and LPC offers a unique way to unlock the brain’s potential.
References
- Ken Research. Asia Pacific Brain Health Supplements Market Outlook to 2030.
- Sugasini, D.; et al. Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as lysophosphatidylcholine, but not as free acid, enriches brain DHA and improves memory in adult mice. Scientific Reports. 2017; 7: 11263.
- Wong, B. H.; et al. Mfsd2a: a physiologically important lysolipid transporter in the brain and eye. Lipid Transfer in Lipoprotein Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease. 2020; 1276:223-234.
- Sugasini, D.; et al. Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) as Lysophosphatidylcholine, but Not as Free Acid, Enriches Brain DHA and Improves Memory in Adult Mice. Scientific Reports. 2017;7(1): 11263.
- Yalagala, P.C.R.; et al. Dietary Lysophosphatidylcholine-EPA Enriches Both EPA and DHA in the Brain: Potential Treatment for Depression[S]. Journal of Lipid Research. 2019; 60(3): 566–78.
- Sugasini, D.; et al. Enrichment of Brain Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Is Highly Dependent upon the Molecular Carrier of Dietary DHA: Lysophosphatidylcholine Is More Efficient than Either Phosphatidylcholine or Triacylglycerol. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2019; 74: 108231.
- Yalagala, P.C.R.; et al. Lipase Treatment of Dietary Krill Oil, but Not Fish Oil, Enables Enrichment of Brain Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2020; 64(12):2000059.
- Hermans, E.C.; et al. Dietary LPC-Bound n-3 LCPUFA Protects against Neonatal Brain Injury in Mice but Does Not Enhance Stem Cell Therapy. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 12;16(14):2252.
