Developing a cost-effective production of a novel omega-3 based advanced medical nutrition therapy product for international markets

“Medical nutrition therapy” (MNT) is the use of specific nutrition services for the nutritional management of patients suffering from a disease related malnutrition, illness, injury, or condition. It involves the assessment of the nutritional status of the patient and the relevant nutritional intervention treatment, which includes nutrition therapy, counselling, and the use of specialized nutrition supplements. The global medical nutrition industry is a €10-billion industry. As the various positive effects of medical nutrition solutions are becoming more evident, the industry is developing fast. Also, there is a strong trend towards tailor-made nutritional solutions. As a result, the market for medical nutrition shows an annual growth rate of 6.4% (Transparency Market Research “Global Medical Nutrition Market, 2018). Smartfish targets cachexia patients. We have an evidence-based strategy currently focusing on the unmet medical needs of pre-cachexia and cachexia indications in oncology and COPD. Malnutrition in chronic diseases, such as COPD and cancer, strongly contributes to increased health care costs, partly because of the rapid increase in chronic lifestyle diseases and in age-related diseases worldwide. Many hospitalized patients are malnourished. Hence, governments promote and/or reimburse medical nutrition to reduce complications and hospital bed time. Our estimates show that the developed product and production process can generate revenues for the Consortium partners in order of €90-120 Mn in 5 years post-launch.