JBSL-Japan, an Osaka-based company launched in 1974, will celebrate 50 years in business on May 26-27. The company is known for its nattokinase ingredient for heart health, and the anniversary in Osaka will unite global executives and dignitaries to celebrate the company’s accomplishments and the benefits of nattokinase.

The company was the first to establish a manufacturing method of fermented soybean extract for supplements and functional foods. Its flagship ingredient is NSK-SD, a patented, branded nattokinase. JBSL (Japan Bio Science Laboratory) pioneered research into nattokinase and was the world’s first company to isolate and market the enzyme in 1998.

NSK-SD is fermented using the company’s patented strain of Bacillus subtilis natto.

The company also patented the removal of vitamin K2 from nattokinase.

In addition to clinical research supporting its role in heart health, NSK-SD is reportedly the only nattokinase in the world that has published safety, efficacy, and identity data. JBSL developed multiple identity testing methods, including DNA sequencing and affinity testing using a polyclonal antibody, and the I-BOX testing method that identifies NSK-SD as nattokinase, while other ingredients claiming to be nattokinase are sometimes actually other enzymes, according to the company.

“NSK-SD, with over 55 clinical studies, carrying the tagline of ‘The Science of Nattokinase,’ includes 23 human clinical trials exploring its efficacy in several areas,” said Vincent Hackel, chief executive officer of JBSL-USA, the U.S. distributor of NSK-SD. The leading claims backed by clinical studies pertain to measures of heart health.

Nattokinase is a serine protease enzyme with 275 amino acid residues, and naturally occurs in natto, a Japanese dish of fermented soybeans. It is stripped of vitamin K2, as vitamin K2 may interfere with warfarin and increase blood coagulation.

The ingredient is a white, odorless, tasteless, water-soluble, free-flowing powder ideal for a diverse range of supplements. It is non-GMO, vegetarian, and non-irradiated. It is self-affirmed GRAS, recognized by the JHFA (Japan Health and Nutrition Food Authorization) and JNKA (Japan Nattokinase Association) as authentic nattokinase, and is the only EFSA (European Food Safety Authority)-approved and Health Canada-approved nattokinase.

JBSL-Japan’s business platform also includes research and development and the manufacturing of supplements and functional foods.

“Fifty years is quite a milestone for JBSL-Japan and the future looks bright,” said Hackel. “We’re proud to be part of JBSL in the U.S and always working to push the science forward and get approval for global health claims. In the U.S., JBSL has self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. In Europe, JBSL had novel food approval and also approved in Russia, most Southeast Asian countries, Japan, Taiwan and Korea. “Additionally, we’re developing alternative delivery forms so that companies can use NSK-SD in applications other than standard pills and capsules,”