Hofseth BioCare partners with Catalent to develop delayed-release fish oil capsules

Photo © iStockphoto.com/ evemilla

A Norwegian biotech company, Hofseth BioCare ASA (Alesund, Norway), has entered into a global innovation partnership with Catalent (Somerset, NJ) to develop a delayed-release formulation of Hofseth’s OmeGo fish oil, derived from sustainable, traceable, and fresh Norwegian Atlantic salmon. Catalent will use its proprietary OptiGel DR technology to encapsulate OmeGo, enabling an enteric release profile for softgel capsules without the need for additional external coating. By employing a one-step manufacturing process, Hofseth is avoiding the heat and drying of the coating process that may degrade the fish oil.

Currently, Hofseth is studying the potential role of OmeGo fish oil in preventing disease progression and reducing inflammation, including inflammation caused by COVID-19. The results are expected over the coming months.

“Our research into the health benefits of our unique oil has come a long way in the last 18 months, and we look forward to collaborating with Catalent, and hope to develop the partnership further, to leverage its innovative oral technologies to ensure the most efficacious delivery system,”said Bomi Framroze, PhD, chief scientific officer of Hofseth. “OptiGel DR will enhance the OmeGo franchise, bringing advanced delivery technology as well as raising its profile amongst global leading healthcare companies.”

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to combine the features of a high-quality ingredient with our new OptiGel DR capsule technology to create a product that delivers optimal benefits and experience for consumers,” said Aris Gennadios, PhD, president, Softgel and Oral Technologies, at Catalent. “Our rich history and innovation in softgel technology has allowed us to create a dosage form that delivers ingredients and formulations with an enteric release profile in robust capsules, providing product performance to meet consumers’ expectations.”