Horphag Research Fuels Growth Through Science and Innovation

Horphag Research has solidified its position in the dietary supplement market through a steadfast commitment to scientific research, according to CEO Victor Ferrari. Over the past 40 years, the company has invested significantly in clinical trials, demonstrating how this approach can enhance sales and bolster brand credibility. A recent tour of Horphag’s production facility in the Gascony region of Southwest France provided unique insights into the company’s science-driven business model and the production of its flagship product, Pycnogenol.

Founded in the 1920s under the trade name HormoPharma Ltd, Horphag began its journey with a dietary supplement named Okasa. Marketed as a tonic-restorative, these tablets contained essential vitamins and minerals, leading to a surge in sales following World War II as the popularity of vitamin and mineral supplements grew in the 1950s. It was not until the 1970s that the company began to explore the benefits of French maritime pine bark, inspired by the historical account of Jacques Cartier and his crew, who were cured of scurvy after consuming a tea made from the bark.

Through extensive research, Horphag discovered that French maritime pine bark possesses a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids, and phenolic acids, all of which have potential health benefits. By 1987, Pycnogenol was introduced to the European market, followed by a U.S. launch in 1991. Ferrari noted that the introduction of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in the United States allowed for a broader marketing strategy, significantly boosting sales.

As demand for Pycnogenol increased, the company sought to scale up production. The abundance of pine bark, a by-product of the active timber industry in Gascony, facilitated this expansion. Horphag transports large quantities of bark to the nearby BioLandes factory for extraction, employing rigorous testing procedures to ensure quality. Notably, every batch has passed quality checks over the last 30 years, a testament to the automated production process and the stable supply of pine bark.

The versatility of Pycnogenol is reflected in its dual status as both a dietary supplement and an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, with the first pharmaceutical preparation launched in Switzerland in 1991. Initially approved for treating venous insufficiency, the product remains available OTC in several countries, including Brazil and Colombia.

Research has always been a cornerstone of Horphag’s strategy. Under Ferrari’s leadership, the company expanded its research focus beyond vascular health to explore a broader range of potential benefits. Pycnogenol is now featured in over 60 clinical trials, with more than 450 scientific publications available on PubMed. According to Sebastien Bornet, vice president of global sales and marketing, the compound exhibits four crucial properties: powerful antioxidant effects, natural anti-inflammatory capabilities, support for blood circulation, and enhancement of collagen and elastin production.

Ferrari emphasized that the company’s growth aligns with its research output. “If you compare the published research to the growth, it’s pretty much linear,” he explained. Horphag has experienced a steady sales increase of approximately 5% to 10% annually since launching Pycnogenol.

Despite its successes, Horphag faces challenges, particularly regarding regulatory compliance and counterfeiting issues. Ferrari acknowledged the complexities of navigating a global market with differing regulations. He highlighted that while Pycnogenol has received health claims in certain regions, like Korea, it faces stricter regulations in Europe and the United States, where such claims remain unapproved.

“Health claims should start first with the quality of the product or the ingredient, then with safety, and ultimately with reviewed research,” Ferrari stated. The company is also actively involved in legal actions against trademark infringements, which he believes strain resources and highlight the need for better industry standards.

Looking ahead, Horphag Research plans to continue its innovative trajectory. Ferrari indicated that the company is exploring acquisitions and expanding its product portfolio, with new ingredients expected to join Pycnogenol, including Robuvit (a French oak wood extract) and Centellicum (a gotu kola extract). “The company is now 100 years old, and we hope to add another century to that legacy,” he said, reflecting a commitment to curiosity and innovation in research and development.

Through its steadfast focus on scientific inquiry, Horphag Research exemplifies how a strong commitment to research can drive business success and contribute to advancements in health and wellness.