Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FeJuice (The first natural, scientifically proven, and side-effect free formula for anemia treatment and prevention.)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2023-07-01 do 2023-12-31
Anaemia is a disorder characterized by a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen to body tissues due to a reduced number of red blood cells. Suppressed oxygen delivery in the body can significantly impair cognitive and physical capacities of individuals, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes, reduced quality of life and work productivity, and increased morbidity and all-cause mortality.
Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most prevalent type of anaemia, primarily caused by insufficient iron levels in the blood. It affects approximately 27% of the global population, with women of reproductive age and children being the most vulnerable groups. An estimated 38% of pregnant women and 43% of preschool-aged children suffer from this condition, with many cases remaining untreated, resulting in severe IDA. IDA can result from blood loss, increased iron demands during pregnancy and growth, or poor iron absorption due to inadequate nutrition.
The consequences of IDA are severe and far-reaching. During pregnancy, IDA can lead to restricted foetal growth, low birth weight and increased risks of preterm birth. Children born to mothers with IDA may experience developmental delays. In adults, IDA reduces cognitive and physical abilities, diminishes work productivity, and increases morbidity and mortality rates, thereby impacting the economy.
Currently, oral iron supplements are the primary treatment for IDA. However, they often require high doses and prolonged usage, leading to unpleasant side effects such as upset stomach, constipation and nausea. These side effects, coupled with the necessity for fasting before administration, result in poor compliance and low treatment success rates, especially among high-risk groups.
Thus, World health Organisation has set a WHO Global nutrition targets to reduce IDA in women of reproductive age by 50% by 2030. Efforts to address IDA involve improving access to iron-rich foods, enhancing iron supplementation programs and developing alternative treatments with fewer side effects.
Following these recommendations, FeJuice addresses the following challenges:
-Side effects and high dosage requirement of traditional iron supplements: FeJuice offers a natural alternative to traditional iron supplements, mitigating discomfort and enhancing compliance among users.
-Poor iron absorption using natural products: FeJuice stands out with its scientifically supported formula designed to maximize iron absorption, overcoming the limitations of many natural products in the market.
-Impact on health services: By combating IDA, FeJuice helps alleviate the burden on healthcare systems, potentially reducing costs by up to 50%, particularly for patients with conditions like heart failure and IDA.
-Fatigue and poor productivity in the workforce: FeJuice targets the issue of fatigue and reduced productivity associated with IDA, aiming to mitigate its economic impact. With estimates suggesting IDA accounts for 4.05% of GDP and annual losses of $50 billion globally, FeJuice aims to enhance workforce productivity and cognitive function.
Our innovative scientific research has led to the development of FeJuice, a nutritional formula designed to naturally prevent and treat IDA. According to FeJuice numerous types of food can be made, such as smoothies, bars, puree, juices, freeze dried food, powder drinks. FeJuice formula incorporates bioavailable iron-rich fruits, vegetables and plants, to enhance iron absorption in the body.
FeJuice products are aimed at reducing or eliminating the side effects commonly associated with traditional IDA treatments, thereby improving health outcomes.
By introducing the first scientifically proven natural product for IDA treatment to the global market, FeJuice aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve the overall well-being of individuals affected by IDA. FeJuice targets end-users suffering from IDA symptoms, offering relief from both the condition itself and the side effects of current treatment methods.
FeJuice participated in the Women TechEU program with the aim of commercializing its products, which involved overcoming several commercial challenges.
With FeJuice, we're piloting in a new era of IDA management—one that's natural, effective and full of potential to change lives for the better.
Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most prevalent type of anaemia, primarily caused by insufficient iron levels in the blood. It affects approximately 27% of the global population, with women of reproductive age and children being the most vulnerable groups. An estimated 38% of pregnant women and 43% of preschool-aged children suffer from this condition, with many cases remaining untreated, resulting in severe IDA. IDA can result from blood loss, increased iron demands during pregnancy and growth, or poor iron absorption due to inadequate nutrition.
The consequences of IDA are severe and far-reaching. During pregnancy, IDA can lead to restricted foetal growth, low birth weight and increased risks of preterm birth. Children born to mothers with IDA may experience developmental delays. In adults, IDA reduces cognitive and physical abilities, diminishes work productivity, and increases morbidity and mortality rates, thereby impacting the economy.
Currently, oral iron supplements are the primary treatment for IDA. However, they often require high doses and prolonged usage, leading to unpleasant side effects such as upset stomach, constipation and nausea. These side effects, coupled with the necessity for fasting before administration, result in poor compliance and low treatment success rates, especially among high-risk groups.
Thus, World health Organisation has set a WHO Global nutrition targets to reduce IDA in women of reproductive age by 50% by 2030. Efforts to address IDA involve improving access to iron-rich foods, enhancing iron supplementation programs and developing alternative treatments with fewer side effects.
Following these recommendations, FeJuice addresses the following challenges:
-Side effects and high dosage requirement of traditional iron supplements: FeJuice offers a natural alternative to traditional iron supplements, mitigating discomfort and enhancing compliance among users.
-Poor iron absorption using natural products: FeJuice stands out with its scientifically supported formula designed to maximize iron absorption, overcoming the limitations of many natural products in the market.
-Impact on health services: By combating IDA, FeJuice helps alleviate the burden on healthcare systems, potentially reducing costs by up to 50%, particularly for patients with conditions like heart failure and IDA.
-Fatigue and poor productivity in the workforce: FeJuice targets the issue of fatigue and reduced productivity associated with IDA, aiming to mitigate its economic impact. With estimates suggesting IDA accounts for 4.05% of GDP and annual losses of $50 billion globally, FeJuice aims to enhance workforce productivity and cognitive function.
Our innovative scientific research has led to the development of FeJuice, a nutritional formula designed to naturally prevent and treat IDA. According to FeJuice numerous types of food can be made, such as smoothies, bars, puree, juices, freeze dried food, powder drinks. FeJuice formula incorporates bioavailable iron-rich fruits, vegetables and plants, to enhance iron absorption in the body.
FeJuice products are aimed at reducing or eliminating the side effects commonly associated with traditional IDA treatments, thereby improving health outcomes.
By introducing the first scientifically proven natural product for IDA treatment to the global market, FeJuice aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve the overall well-being of individuals affected by IDA. FeJuice targets end-users suffering from IDA symptoms, offering relief from both the condition itself and the side effects of current treatment methods.
FeJuice participated in the Women TechEU program with the aim of commercializing its products, which involved overcoming several commercial challenges.
With FeJuice, we're piloting in a new era of IDA management—one that's natural, effective and full of potential to change lives for the better.
During the Women TechEU project implementation, FeJuice accomplished the following activities:
- Defined and implemented IP strategy:
o Successfully filed international patent application;
o Successfully filed EU and national trademark applications.
- Prepared for Human Intervention Study (HIS):
o Drafted Protocol, Investigator's Brochure, Subject Information and Informed Consent Form for HIS;
o Submitted a Scientific publication;
o Applied for MINI grant (Innovation fund of Serbia) and Food Accelerator Network Programme EU 2024 call (EIT Food) and in preparation for EIC Accelerator application.
o Developed an Explainer video to increase visibility of the FeJuice.
- Analysed EFSA certification requirements:
o Report on EFSA requirements for obtaining FeJuice health claim.
- Proactively engaged potential partners or licensees for further investment:
o Analysed aspects of licensing best practices to validate and upgrade our B2B model;
o Identified potential business licensing partners in the EU and worldwide;
o Activated company profile at the EEN;
o Visited Anuga and Gulfood food fairs;
o Engaged in ongoing negotiations with potential partners/licensees.
- Defined and implemented IP strategy:
o Successfully filed international patent application;
o Successfully filed EU and national trademark applications.
- Prepared for Human Intervention Study (HIS):
o Drafted Protocol, Investigator's Brochure, Subject Information and Informed Consent Form for HIS;
o Submitted a Scientific publication;
o Applied for MINI grant (Innovation fund of Serbia) and Food Accelerator Network Programme EU 2024 call (EIT Food) and in preparation for EIC Accelerator application.
o Developed an Explainer video to increase visibility of the FeJuice.
- Analysed EFSA certification requirements:
o Report on EFSA requirements for obtaining FeJuice health claim.
- Proactively engaged potential partners or licensees for further investment:
o Analysed aspects of licensing best practices to validate and upgrade our B2B model;
o Identified potential business licensing partners in the EU and worldwide;
o Activated company profile at the EEN;
o Visited Anuga and Gulfood food fairs;
o Engaged in ongoing negotiations with potential partners/licensees.
Thanks to the support from the Women TechEU program, FeJuice has significantly strengthened its commercial and IP strategies, propelling forward its B2C and B2B models. This has led to ongoing negotiations with potential partners, expanding market reach and refining business models to include licensee arrangements.
Presently, FeJuice is in negotiations with a key player in the Western Balkan food industry, expected to result in draft agreements for FeJuice pouch production and distribution. Additionally, a collaboration has been initiated with another company to develop new types of FeJuice products.
Through the development and commercialization of innovative, highly bioavailable iron-rich food products for IDA prevention and treatment, FeJuice aims to surpass current standards in nutritional IDA treatment, particularly among women and children. This advancement promises higher patient compliance, alleviating pressure on healthcare systems, while enhanced cognition and productivity will positively impact Europe's GDP.
Presently, FeJuice is in negotiations with a key player in the Western Balkan food industry, expected to result in draft agreements for FeJuice pouch production and distribution. Additionally, a collaboration has been initiated with another company to develop new types of FeJuice products.
Through the development and commercialization of innovative, highly bioavailable iron-rich food products for IDA prevention and treatment, FeJuice aims to surpass current standards in nutritional IDA treatment, particularly among women and children. This advancement promises higher patient compliance, alleviating pressure on healthcare systems, while enhanced cognition and productivity will positively impact Europe's GDP.