NattoPharma ASA, Oslo, Norway, and PL Thomas Inc., Morristown, NJ, have partnered to promote the patented MenaQ7 Crystals Natural Vitamin K2 in the dietary supplement, food/beverage and nutricosmetic industries.
 
PL Thomas and NattoPharma initially joined forces in 2006 to introduce MenaQ7 vitamin K2 to the nutrition industry. The two companies worked jointly to raise awareness about natural vitamin K2 as a way to fortify both bone and cardiovascular health.
 
The companies are re-launching their strategic partnership after a hiatus of approximately four years. In the past year, NattoPharma underwent significant restructuring, developed the next-generation MenaQ7, and received several patents in the EU and U.S. In addition, NattoPharma released study results demonstrating that MenaQ7 preserves bone content and strength, as well as demonstrating significant benefits for the promotion of a healthy cardiovascular system.
 
“Our previous work with MenaQ7 has been stimulating because we believe in its place as a necessary nutrient for promoting health in key aging areas, including bone and cardiovascular health. Through NattoPharma’s recent work, we are now able to provide a clinically-proven ingredient, recognized with a U.S. patent for cardiovascular applications, to the natural products industry,” said Paul Flowerman, president of PL Thomas.
 
Dr. Hogne Vik, CEO of NattoPharma, added, “In the past year, not only have we received intellectual property recognition in Europe and in the U.S., but also, our groundbreaking three-year clinical study with MenaQ7 for bone health has been published in the prestigious journal Osteoporosis International. In tandem, our study showed significant benefits for arterial health. The patents and the published studies position MenaQ7 for phenomenal growth and sales as its benefits become more widely recognized and consumer demand increases sharply.”