Editor’s Note: KeyPharm develops and markets effective, safe and high-quality health products and natural treatments under the brands Physalis®, Biotona®, and Purete bio®. With a corporate strategy focused on advanced scientific research and continuous innovation, the company aims to combine quality and sustainability; this guarantees product efficacy and only positive impact on humans and the environment. In this Q&A, Dr. Pharm. Ciska Wyns, head of R&D with KeyPharm, talks about the decision to partner with Ixoreal Biomed.

Q: KeyPharm Laboratories places such a strong focus on science and innovation. How do you ensure that your ingredient partners approach their business with the same scientific rigor?

 A: Indeed, KeyPharm makes it a point of honor to develop and market only dietary supplements with a satisfying amount of clear scientific evidence. Since it has become difficult and quite challenging to fully express the potential of a product due to all the regulatory restrictions on claims, we also tend to source branded ingredients. But, in a first step, of course, we choose the right botanical ingredient that fits our approach to develop a high-quality end product which tackles different parameters of the “problem” and is efficient enough to bring the body back into balance. KSM-66 combines the best of both worlds! First, it is a completely safe ingredient, with a diverse set of active constituents and is a clinically studied ingredient. It also offers a strong brand which gives more opportunities to make an appealing final product for consumers. This has been very transparent when we started to work with KSM-66 and is reflected also in the full traceability and quality control of this ingredient.

Q: What is one specific way that you have worked with Ixoreal Biomed to elevate the role of science at your company?

A: Our first focus with KSM-66 was on the development of an adaptogenic and organic formulation. I believe the role of stress is still underestimated in the development of many common diseases and complaints. It is probably something people nowadays have the most in common. Next to a good mental approach, it is important to supplement our bodies with honest, organic food and botanical ingredients which help to maintain or regain balance. At first, we used KSM-66 in combination products with other adaptogenic botanicals and nutrients, for the general population and also for students. But because it is such a great ingredient with so much potential, we also have developed a single ingredient organic ashwagandha product which can target not only stress, but also general vitality and even sleeping issues.

Q: Why is it important for you to marry science and sustainability—and how does Ixoreal Biomed help you achieve this?

A: Next to KeyPharm’s passion for R&D and continuous innovation with natural ingredients, we also focus on sustainability by choosing organic ingredients for our formulations These ingredients have a clean supply chain and are not only good for us, but also for our planet and our children, the future. This is also reflected in our clean label strategy which we have been working on for almost two years. Just like Ixoreal Biomed is the best ashwagandha supplier, we also commit to being transparent and only want to give our customers the best, cleanest, most effective products.

Q: So much goes on behind the scenes to bring a high-quality product to market, and much of this is based on supplier partnerships. What are some ways that you educate consumers on your partnership with Ixoreal Biomed and use of KSM-66 in order provide a deep level of transparency and build confidence?

A: From the beginning, KeyPharm has invested in excellent transparency about all of our products by providing finished packaging which clearly states all the ingredients, with their brand, standardization or any other interesting additional information. As we do a lot of market research during the development of a new product, we have noticed many market players do not tend to approach their consumers in this way. Many finished products make empty promises and claims and blind the consumers with all of this. We put our focus on full ingredient declarations, more than the legally required minimum, and want to convince our consumers about the effectiveness. In this way, we try to gain the trust of the consumer as a brand and company and build up a long-term confidence in a sustainable manner.