IminoTech’s Q-Actin Nominated for Prix Galien UK Award

Q-actin, a patented cucumber extract clinically studied for joint health and sleep support benefits, was nominated for the 2026 Prix Galien UK Awards program.

The Prix Galien Awards were established in 1970 and honor scientific innovation in human health, recognizing achievements in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical technology, and public health categories.

Q-actin is standardized to >1% ido-BR1, a naturally occurring iminosugar found in cucumber. Q-actin was nominated by PhytoQuest Limited, the UK company that discovered and developed ido-BR1. The ingredient is manufactured by IminoTech, Inc. and is marketed globally as a dietary supplement.

“Being recognized by the Prix Galien program is a meaningful validation of the science behind Q-actin and the pioneering work that led to the discovery of ido-BR1,” said Robert Nash, PhD, founder of PhytoQuest Limited and a leading researcher in iminosugar biology. “While iminosugars have long attracted scientific interest, Q-actin represents the first commercially validated iminosugar ingredient developed for human nutrition.”

The nomination highlights two decades of research into iminosugars, a class of naturally occurring compounds that influence cellular glycobiology. Ido-BR1 is structurally related to L-iduronic acid, a component of cartilage glycosaminoglycans. Preclinical research has demonstrated inflammatory-modulating activity, while toxicology studies support its safety profile.

Three randomized human studies have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in joint comfort, mobility, and physical function measures. A six-month head-to-head study in people with mild knee osteoarthritis found that Q-actin delivered greater improvements than glucosamine-chondroitin supplementation across multiple measures of joint health, despite being administered at a substantially lower dose.

A study in 2025 found that it also benefited sleep quality, increased levels of urinary melatonin metabolites, and enhanced fine motor dexterity in healthy older adults.

“Consumers increasingly expect nutritional ingredients to be backed by rigorous science,” said Shil Kothari, CEO of IminoTech. “This recognition highlights both the research supporting Q-actin and the emergence of iminosugars as a promising new class of bioactive ingredients.”