“Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food”, said Hippocrates way back in the fifth century BC; nevertheless, it wasn’t until the 20th century that clinical nutrition began its scientific evolution. Nowadays, this branch of medicine is undergoing significant development where innovation is a key factor.
While a balanced diet is without question the foundation for good health, when health problems arise, nutrition is crucial for aiding the recovery of those who are ill. Adventia Pharma works in this field as a pharmaceutical laboratory and it aims to improve the quality of life of patients. In this interview, Andrés Cabello, Adventia Pharma’s financial and technological development director, talks to us in depth about this topic.
Clinical Nutrition
How did Adventia Pharma begin?
Adventia Pharma was founded in 2010 as a laboratory specialising in clinical nutrition (foods for special medical purposes) and with a presence in several regions throughout Spain, especially in the Canary Islands.
What is the current status of the project?
At present, the vademecum has been expanded to include products relating to cosmetic oncology, bariatric surgery, gynaecology, digestion and weight control. It also has an area dedicated to developing medical devices, packaging solutions and devices related to different specialties. Adventia has a direct presence in Spain, Portugal and Mexico, and it is entering into agreements to distribute its products in a number of countries.
An innovative SME
Adventia Pharma specialises in the development, manufacture and marketing of high-quality foods for special medical purposes. It belongs to a sector with a frenzy of activity. How do you face this challenge and what role does innovation play in your business model?
Adventia employs highly qualified staff in its Medicine, Product Development and Technology Development Departments. Moreover, it has a medical advisory board consisting of renowned specialists in endocrinology, nutrition, radiotherapy oncology and gastroenterology. Innovation is an essential element of our business model, together with quality and focus on the patient.
We are developing products in collaboration with prestigious public institutions and we have 13 ongoing research projects. To give two examples, we are the only laboratory to use extra virgin olive oil in all of our formulas and we are the first to develop food containing probiotics with proven clinical evidence. With our Aromas concept, which allows patients to choose the flavour and intensity of their nutritional formula, Adventia has taken the first steps towards customising clinical nutrition where it strives to be the forerunner.
You have been awarded the “Innovative SME” seal from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Industry. Of the 2.8 million Spanish SMEs, only about 4 thousand boast this recognition. How does it benefit you?
This seal acknowledges the effort we put towards research and development in order to create improved products that are better suited to the needs and illnesses of our patients. Many companies boast innovation as a way to advertise themselves. The Innovative SME seal makes it possible to identify companies that do in fact innovate.
Protecting industrial property
How important is it for Adventia Pharma to protect industrial property?
Adventia dedicates a significant portion of its resources to R&D&I. Protecting our own developments is key to ensuring returns on this investment, which in turn allows us to continue along this path towards innovation. Moreover, it represents an intangible asset that provides great value to the company on the market, in addition to reinforcing the image and trust placed in our healthcare professionals.
You have filed several international patent applications for packaging and dosage forms of your dietary supplements. Why? What is the international importance and relevance of packaging in the sector?
Packaging is a key component of the product’s performance. It provides new dosage forms and resolves problems related to our patients’ condition, making their life easier. It also allows for greater industrial efficiency and savings in resources in the healthcare system.
How does ABG Intellectual Property help you to protect industrial property?
Adventia considers ABG Intellectual Property as key to its innovation process. With its technical knowledge and expertise, ABG Intellectual Property complements the work of our teams and helps us to make the best decisions in an extremely complex field.
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