Horphag Research: How Science Fuels Growth in Health Supplements

Horphag Research has positioned itself as a leader in the health supplement industry by heavily investing in scientific research. CEO Victor Ferrari emphasizes that this focus on clinical trials has not only bolstered sales but has also significantly enhanced the company’s brand credibility. A recent tour of Horphag’s production facility in the Gascony region of Southwest France provided insights into its science-driven business model and future growth prospects.

From Humble Beginnings to Market Leader

Founded in the 1920s under the name HormoPharma Ltd, Horphag Research initially launched a dietary supplement known as Okasa. Marketed as a tonic-restorative, these silver and gold-coated tablets contained essential vitamins and minerals. Following World War II, sales surged alongside the commercialization of vitamin and mineral supplements in the 1950s.

The company’s pivotal moment came in the 1970s when Haimoff, the founder, began exploring the benefits of French maritime pine bark. This exploration was inspired by the historical account of Jacques Cartier, who discovered that his crew was cured of scurvy after consuming a tea made from pine needles and bark. Haimoff recognized the potential of this natural resource and initiated research into its health-promoting properties.

In 1987, Horphag introduced Pycnogenol to the European market, followed by a U.S. launch in 1991. Ferrari noted that the company’s initial efforts were modest but gained momentum, especially after the implementation of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994, which allowed marketers to sell ingredients as dietary supplements.

Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

With growing consumer demand for Pycnogenol, Horphag faced the challenge of scaling production. The ongoing timber industry in Southwest France provided a stable supply of pine bark, which Horphag utilized by transporting it to the nearby BioLandes factory for extraction. Rigorous testing procedures ensure that every batch meets the required ratios of bioactive compounds and is free from contaminants. Notably, Philippe Coutiere, CEO of BioLandes SAS, reported that not a single batch has failed in 30 years of production.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Horphag’s operations. The company upcycles unused pine bark to create compost and energy for its production plant, thereby reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Pycnogenol is not limited to dietary supplements; it is also registered as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine in several countries, including Switzerland, Brazil, and Colombia. Initially authorized for treating venous insufficiency, Pycnogenol has been recognized for its diverse health benefits, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Research has expanded significantly since the early 2000s, when Ferrari, as the newly appointed CEO, recognized the potential for Pycnogenol’s health benefits beyond vascular support. Today, Pycnogenol is featured in over 60 clinical trials, with more than 450 studies and scientific reviews published on PubMed.

Sebastien Bornet, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Horphag, highlighted four key properties of Pycnogenol: its effectiveness as an antioxidant, its role as a natural anti-inflammatory, its benefits for blood circulation, and its ability to enhance the body’s production of hyaluronic acid. These properties collectively contribute to a wide range of health benefits, aligning with Horphag’s substantial investment in scientific research.

Ferrari noted the correlation between the company’s sales growth and the volume of scientific publications. “The more research, the more opportunities, the more sales,” he stated, indicating a steady annual growth rate of around 5% to 10%.

Navigating Challenges in a Global Market

Despite its success, Horphag has faced various challenges, including regulatory hurdles and the threat of counterfeit products. Ferrari pointed out that navigating the regulatory landscape is particularly complex in a global market, where different regions have varying standards for labeling, health claims, and safety.

For instance, while Pycnogenol is associated with three health claims in South Korea, no such claims have been approved in Europe or the United States. Ferrari believes that the process for approving health claims should prioritize product quality and safety first, followed by research.

Additionally, the company invests considerable resources in protecting its intellectual property, often resorting to cease and desist letters or legal action against those infringing on its trademarks. Ferrari stressed the need for the industry to address the misuse of research and brand assets by companies that do not invest in scientific endeavors.

Looking to the Future

Horphag Research continues to forge ahead, with plans for new research and product development. Ferrari indicated that the company is considering potential acquisitions and expanding its product portfolio, which currently includes Pycnogenol, Robuvit (a French oak wood extract), and Centellicum (a gotu kola extract).

As Horphag approaches its 100-year milestone, Ferrari expressed optimism for the future. “The company is now 100 years old, and we’ll hopefully add another 100 years,” he said. With a focus on innovation and scientific exploration, Horphag Research aims to maintain its position as a leader in the health supplement industry while contributing positively to consumer health and well-being.