Founded in 1925 by chemist Charles Haimoff in Berlin, Horphag Research has evolved into a notable player in the health supplement industry. Today, its flagship product, Pycnogenol, is featured in over 1,000 different products and generates sales exceeding $500 million annually. The company”s remarkable growth is attributed primarily to its commitment to scientific research, as stated by CEO Victor Ferrari.
Over the past four decades, Horphag has made significant investments in clinical trials, demonstrating how scientific validation can enhance sales and strengthen brand trust. To delve deeper into the company”s science-centric business approach, NutraIngredients visited Horphag”s production facility located in the Gascony region of Southwest France, gaining exclusive insights into its origins and future ambitions.
Horphag initially launched under the name HormoPharma Ltd in the 1920s, introducing a dietary supplement called Okasa. This product, marketed as a “tonic-restorative,” contained essential vitamins and minerals. Following World War II, the demand for vitamin and mineral supplements surged during the 1950s. It was not until the 1970s that Haimoff began investigating the health benefits of French maritime pine bark, inspired by the story of French explorer Jacques Cartier. In 1536, Cartier”s crew was treated for scurvy using a tea made from pine needles and bark provided by the Iroquois.
Haimoff recognized the potential of utilizing a by-product from the Gascony timber industry. His research revealed that French maritime pine bark was rich in procyanidins, bioflavonoids, and phenolic acids, all of which possess health benefits. By 1987, Pycnogenol made its debut in Europe as a dietary supplement, entering the U.S. market by 1991. Ferrari noted that the introduction of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994 played a pivotal role in the product”s growth, particularly in the American market.
As demand for Pycnogenol increased, Haimoff sought to expand its production. The abundance of pine bark from the thriving timber industry in Southwest France facilitated this growth. The company began transporting large quantities of bark to the nearby BioLandes factory for extraction, implementing stringent testing procedures to ensure the correct ratios of bioactive compounds and eliminate contaminants. According to Phillipe Coutiere, CEO of BioLandes SAS, not a single batch has failed in the last three decades, thanks to a fully automated production process and the stable availability of pine bark throughout the year. Horphag remains committed to sustainability, upcycling unused pine bark into compost and energy for its production facility.
Pycnogenol is also marketed as an over-the-counter medicine, with its first pharmaceutical formulation launched in Switzerland in 1991. Initially approved for treating venous insufficiency, it retains its OTC status in various countries, including Switzerland, Brazil, and several South American nations.
In the early 2000s, Ferrari, who succeeded Haimoff as CEO, recognized an opportunity to investigate the broader health benefits of Pycnogenol. While previous research mostly focused on its vascular health properties, the company”s scientific inquiries expanded to encompass various health conditions. Following regulatory changes in Europe and North America, Horphag initiated extensive research that has since led to more than 60 clinical trials and over 450 published studies on PubMed.
Research has uncovered a multitude of potential benefits associated with Pycnogenol, ranging from immune and nervous system health to digestive and skeletal health. “Pycnogenol has four important properties,” stated Sebastien Bornet, vice president of global sales and marketing at Horphag. “It is a potent antioxidant, a natural anti-inflammatory, it supports blood circulation, and it enhances the body”s ability to produce hyaluronic acid.”
Ferrari highlighted the correlation between the company”s growth and its investment in scientific research, observing that sales have consistently increased alongside the volume of published studies. “There is a steady annual growth of around 5% to 10%, which has persisted since we began marketing this product,” he remarked.
Despite its success, Horphag has faced several challenges, including regulatory changes and counterfeiting issues. Ferrari explained that adapting to evolving regulations is crucial, especially in a global market with varying standards. For instance, while Pycnogenol has garnered health claims in Korea, such claims remain unapproved in Europe and the United States. Ferrari advocates for a regulatory approach that prioritizes product quality before health claims.
Looking to the future, Horphag Research is not slowing down. The company plans to explore acquisitions and expand its product line further, introducing new ingredients alongside Pycnogenol, Robuvit (a French oak wood extract), and Centellicum (a gotu kola extract). “As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we hope to continue for another century,” Ferrari concluded, emphasizing a commitment to innovation and research.
