Swisse Wellness has signed a deal with CSIRO to conduct research into complementary medicines.
The three-year deal, which the company says is bigger than the $15 million deal struck with La Trobe University in 2014, has been cautiously welcomed as a way to develop objective research into complementary medicines.
Announcing the deal at AusBiotech 2016, Swisse CEO Radek Sali said: “CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency with a core objective of making a positive impact on people’s lives through science and research, which is in line with our mission at Swisse of making millions of people around the globe healthier and happier."
He said the deal forms part of the company's long term 'Strategic Science Program' that aims to validate the efficacy of complementary medicines.
“We are dedicated to investing in education, innovation and science, and know that by being champions of wellness, we will make an enormous contribution to the health of the nation and our public health system.
“Our partnership with CSIRO will provide a framework for translating research opportunities into commercial activities, investigating new opportunities and innovations right through the supply chain, by facilitating collaboration and undertaking projects of mutual interest,” he said.
In a statement, the company said CSIRO will undertake research projects across the breadth of the vitamins, herbals, minerals and supplements product range. A number of projects have confirmed to commence this month. The company will determine the projects.
Australians now spend around $10 billion annually on non-subsidised medications, which includes vitamins and supplements, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
“Collaborating with industry to create value through innovative science is at the core of what CSIRO stands for, and aligns with what we’re aiming to achieve through our partnership with Swisse,” said Dr Rob Grenfell, CSIRO Director of Health and Biosecurity.
“It is very positive to see a market leader like Swisse seeking the best science to substantiate health claims,” he added.