HBC, Catalent Enter Innovative Softgel Alliance

Hofseth BioCare ASA (HBC), a Norwegian biotech company that develops high-value ingredients and finished products, entered a global innovation partnership with Catalent to develop a delayed-release formulation of HBC’s OmeGo fish oil.

The partnership will leverage Catalent’s OptiGel DR technology to encapsulate OmeGo, HBC’s fish oil derived from sustainable, traceable, and fresh Norwegian Atlantic salmon. OptiGel DR technology enables an enteric release profile for softgel capsules without the need for an additional external coating, thereby employing a one-step manufacturing process, which avoids the heat and drying of the coating process that may otherwise degrade the fish oil.

HBC is currently conducting studies to assess the potential role of OmeGo fish oil in preventing disease progression and helping to reduce inflammation, including in patients experiencing inflammation caused by COVID-19. Results are expected over the coming months and will provide insights on the potential of OmeGo fish oil to help the body resolve inflammation driven by a viral infection.

“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,” commented Dr. Bomi Framroze, Chief Scientific Officer of HBC. “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,” commented Dr. Aris Gennadios, President, Softgel and Oral Technologies, 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.”

OptiGel DR capsule technology was launched by Catalent in 2020, and offers innovators an opportunity to formulate products in a patient-preferred softgel dosage form with a delayed-release profile that offers many advantages, including protecting active ingredients that may be degraded by acid in the stomach and releasing those active ingredients directly in the intestines where they are absorbed, potentially enhancing bioavailability.