Qualitas Health, Imperial, TX, has finalized an exclusive distribution agreement with Lipa Pharmaceuticals for its Almega PL omega-3 ingredient for sale to the dietary supplement industry in Australia and New Zealand.  
 
Lipa Pharmaceuticals is a full-service, integrated, contract manufacturer of dietary supplements and OTC pharmaceutical products, with core manufacturing competencies including tablets, soft gelatin capsules, two piece hard gelatin capsules, powders, liquids and creams. The Australia-based company will be responsible for obtaining the appropriate regulatory approvals from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), providing logistic and sales support as well as offering dose-form solutions.  
 
Almega PL, manufactured by Qualitas Health, is a vegetarian, EPA-rich, polar lipid-structured omega-3 oil. Sourced from Nannochloropsis oculata, a non-GMO strain of microalgae selected for its high level of EPA omega-3 and unique polar-lipid structure, Almega PL contains omega-3 fatty acids with phospholipids and glycolipids that provide superior absorption and digestibility.
 
“We are excited to partner with Lipa Pharmaceuticals,” said Yuri Shoshan, CEO, Qualitas Health. “They have very deep relationships with all of the major brands in Australia. This agreement extends our Almega PL sales efforts to a large, vibrant and growing omega-3 market which is increasingly demanding a vegetarian and sustainable alternative.”
 
“We see great potential for Almega PL in Australia,” said Dusko Pejnovic, CEO, Lipa Pharmaceuticals. “Almega PL offers the unique combination of an EPA-rich, vegetarian and environmentally sustainable omega-3 source. The improved bioavailability from the polar lipids is an essential benefit, as Australia has a well-established krill oil market and consumers are aware of the importance of bioavailability. We look forward to bringing this exciting new ingredient to the Australian market.”