French and Canadian, he holds a DUT (university technical diploma) in biotechnology (Angers, France), an engineering degree in bioengineering (Clermont-Ferrand, France) and a PhD in food science (Quebec, Canada). He is the author of a dozen scientific papers and the inventor of the NutraJIT technology. His main expertise covers the physical chemistry of colloids and the use of biopolymers in food and pharmaceutical systems. He has a clear vision of the use of food byproducts in future technologies as a means to perpetuate sustainability. Mr Caillard is a multi-instrumentist musician, loves sports and cinema. He became a father for the first time in 2015, which is truly his proudest accomplishment. 
 
Health E-Insights: Provide a short overview of the NutraJIT new technology.

Mr. Caillard: The NutraJIT technology, which stands for Nutraceuticals delivered Just In Time is an oral delivery system designed for the protection of active ingredients from stomach acids. As you are surely aware, a significant number of active ingredients react negatively to the exposure of gastric fluids; our technologies will ensure that these actives are delivered safely to the intestines.
 
Health E-Insights: How and why is this technology different?

Mr. Caillard: The NutraJIT technology provides the necessary enteric protection without the need for plastic and chemical coatings. Our patented technology comes in powdered form and is simply mixed with powdered actives and compressed to create an enteric tablet of the desired size and shape. This tablet will react positively to pH levels by creating what we call a self-gellifying barrier that protects the active, and as soon as it reaches the gut, the pH levels will change and the active ingredient will be released for full effect.
 
Health E-Insights: Where did this great idea come from in your organization?

Mr. Caillard: From me. I’m the inventor of this technology and serve as the company chief scientific officer, overseeing all research and development projects. We are currently putting into “products” ideas for new delivery systems. As you probably have guessed by now, we are looking forward to new products being available in the coming months, all of them created from food byproducts. The NutraJIT technology is only the tip of the iceberg.
 
Health E-Insights: Who is your target market?

Mr. Caillard: The NutraJIT technology has many applications. In its excipient form, it is designed for food supplements and nutraceutical products.
 
Health E-Insights:How will this technology change the dietary supplement industry?

Mr. Caillard: How would you feel if I were to tell you that today you have access to a simple technology, available in industrial quantities, that provides enteric protection all the while coming from natural food byproducts? Would that entice you to inquire more about this technology and see how it could find a place in your product line-up? What would be your first reaction to this statement knowing the current chemical-based alternatives to enteric protection out there?
 

Health E-Insights: What can you tell me about your company’s plans for growth?

Mr. Caillard: As we move forward at increased speed with the commercialization of our NutraJIT technology, we are working on several new and innovative forms of delivery systems. We look forward to the coming months, as we will be able to propose new and exciting products to our customers.
 
Health E-Insights: Do you consider this technology your greatest achievement?

Mr. Caillard: As of today yes, but I would be cautious to explicitly say that it is, as we have several technologies in our pipeline that may very well be of significant impact to our industry.
 
Health E-Insights: Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Mr. Caillard: I can’t say that I identify with them because it sounds like I’m comparing myself to two great men, and who really can? But, for many reasons, Albert Einstein or Teddy Roosevelt have always been really inspiring to me. They both propelled change during challenging times.

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Sheldon Baker is well-known for creating nutraceutical brand marketing and public relations campaigns. He serves as vice president strategic engagement for the American Herbal Products Association. For Health E-Insights interview consideration, contact him at [email protected]. And follow him on Twitter @NutraInk.