TGA approval for antioxidant

Australian distributer Trans Chem has received Therapeutic Goods Administration approval to distribute ‘master’ antioxidant Setria Glutathione in Australia.

The approval follows a milestone clinical trial that demonstrated glutathione levels in the blood increase after oral supplementation with the compound.

Glutathione is recognised as a major antioxidant that protects the body from damage by free-radicals and toxins. The oxidative stress caused by free radicals plays an important role in the ageing process.

Glutathione is found to varying degrees in the cells and tissues of the body and may be depleted as a result of poor lifestyle choices, stress or ageing.

The six-month randomised trial, led by Professor John Richie from Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine, showed that supplementation led to glutathione being stored in the body and boosted the immune system. A 30-35% increase in erythrocytes, plasma and lymphocytes was observed, along with an increase in natural killer cytotoxicity.

Made by Japanese company Kyowa Hakko Bio through a patented fermentation technique, the Setria Glutathione tripeptide is now available to Australian manufacturers.

Meanwhile, researchers at the University of NSW are developing gamma glutamyl cysteine (GGC), a precursor of glutathione.

GGC has long been recognised as playing a role in the ageing process, but making it in large enough quantities has proven a challenge. Drs Wallace Bridge and Martin Zarka have developed a process for producing the compound and conducting ongoing work to confirm GGC’s activity in protecting cells against oxidative damage.

Newcastle-based company Biospecialties International has been granted a licence to manufacture GGC and also received funding from the federal government to assist with industrial scale-up