ConCordix (CCx) is a delivery system for nutraceuticals developed in collaboration between Ayanda AS and the Norwegian biopolymer laboratory (NOBIPOL) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Norway) [1]. The patented delivery system provides an oral delivery unit initially aimed at solving issues with administration of health-beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. The Omega-3 lipid phase is formulated as a gelled oil-in-water emulsion, consisting of oil droplets dispersed throughout a continuous gelatin matrix (figure 1.1) [2]. This gives a soft and chewable delivery system, which is suggested to improve user compliance by providing taste-masking properties and circumventing the problem of dysphagia [1,5] which allows to administrate both fat soluble and water soluble components in a homogenous form. The key feature of CCx technology is an individual sealing into aluminium (alu-alu) blister form in the nitrogen atmosphere. This form of packaging is to protect the active ingredients from oxidative and photochemical degradation [3]. As of today, the technology can be utilized for a large range of labile components. The CCx technology allows administration of both water and oil soluble active ingredients in the same delivery unit. In addition it comes in chewable form, in which aroma and colour can be added to improve sensorial properties which may facilitate the administration, especially in children and elderly persons [6].

 Figure 1.The difference between a soft gel capsule and gelled oil-water emulsion in terms of the interfacial area. [3]      (not able to upload - unconfirmed user)

The CCx technology was developed by Ayanda Group to ease administration of health beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids have well-documented positive health effects, among others suggested to prevent cardiovascular diseases and contributing to maintenance of normal brain function and vision (EFSA health claims – omega 3). These properties have led to a continuous growth in consumption of these fatty acids, also being a very popular supplement to children [7]. In a published study, fish oil formulated using the CCx technology was clinically compared with a traditional soft gel capsule. For this specific delivery unit, a 44% increase in incremental area under the curve (AUC 0-26h) was obtained for the triglycerides EPA and DHA using the CCx delivery platform [4]. The enhanced AUC was attributed to an increased interfacial area of the dispersed droplets, promoting lipolysis and absorption of the digested triglycerides.

 Figure 2.  Visualisation of ConCordix vs. softgel in gastric juice.              (not able to upload - unconfirmed user)

 Figure 3.  Comparison of bioavailability od ConCordix vs. softgel    [4]         (not able to upload - unconfirmed user)

References [1] Seternes, T., K.I. Draget, and I.J. Haug, Chewable gelled emulsions. 2010, Probio ASA, Tromsø (NO).

[2] Company website www.ayanda.com

[3] Characterisation of a novel gelatin-based drug delivery system. 2014 Hattrem, Magnus N. PhD thesis

[4] Haug, I.J., L.B. Sagmo, D. Zeiss, I.C. Olsen, K.I. Draget, and T. Seternes, Bioavailability of EPA and DHA delivered by gelled emulsions and soft gel capsules. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, 2011.

[5] Draget, K.I., S.J. Engelsen, M. Hattrem, I.J. Haug, and T. Seternes, Oral pharmaceutical dispersion compositions. 2012, Probio ASA, Tromsø (NO).

[6] Soft, chewable gelatin-based pharmaceutical oral formulations: A technical approach, scientific paper Morten J. Dille, Magnus N. Hattrem and Kurt I. Draget,

[7] Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to DHA and contribution to normal brain development pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 EFSA Journal 2014;12(10):3840 [8 pp.]