A Norway-based biotech firm, Hofseth BioCare ASA (HBC), that manufactures high-quality pharmaceuticals ingredients and complete products, has partnered with Catalent to produce a slow-release dosage form of OmeGo fish oil of Hofseth BioCare ASA.
The fish oil of HBC, OmeGo, which is obtained from ecological, fresh, and easily accessible salmon species from the Atlantic Norway region, will be encased in soft-gel capsules by using OptiGel DR technology of Catalent. This OptiGel DR technique is used to manufacture enteric-coated soft-gel capsules in a single step process, without the need for an extra coating process that prevents the heating and drying of the external coating process, which might deteriorate the fish oil.
HBC is now researching to assess the efficiency of OmeGo fish oil in preventing disease progression and reducing inflammation, particularly in patients with Covid-19 related inflammation. The results are anticipated in upcoming months, and they will reveal the efficacy of OmeGo fish oil in reducing inflammation in the body caused by a virus.
“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,” Chief Scientific Officer of HBC, Dr. Bomi Framroze stated. “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,” stated by President of Soft gel & Oral Technologies, Catalent, Dr. Aris Gennadios. “Our rich history and innovation in soft-gel technology have 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.”
Catalent established this Optigel DR technology in 2020, and provided a chance to the developers to design a soft-gel formulation with a delayed-release characteristic, including the protection of API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) from stomach acid degradation and releasing those APIs directly in the intestine, thus increasing the overall absorption and bioavailability of the drug.
