Manitoba Agri-Health Research Network, Inc. (MAHRN), Winnipeg, MB, a developer of functional agri-ingredients, and Minnesota-based TruHealthMD, the pioneer in food-based solutions for chronic disease, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will more rapidly advance the development and commercialization of condition specific food and nutrition therapies. The signing of the MOU was announced this week during the Manitoba Breakfast at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) 2013 convention in Chicago. Prediabetes will be the first condition addressed under the MOU.

“We are thrilled to be working with TruhealthMD to more rapidly advance our research, development and commercial solutions for addressing the human and financial burden posed by chronic lifestyle-related diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” said Lee Anne Murphy, executive director of MAHRN. “TruhealthMD has a proven marketplace model that supports the rapid advancement of innovative solutions for health while ensuring patient outcomes are positive.” Ms. Murphy indicated that initial success in providing novel ingredients for the TruhealthMD's cardiac care line encouraged the groups to take a broader look at collaboration and led to the signing of the MOU.
 
“We are very fortunate to have a partner who is as passionate as we are about the role of foods and nutrition in preventing and treating chronic disease,” noted Elizabeth Klodas, cardiologist and founder of TruhealthMD. “MAHRN has been instrumental in making truly unique and nutritionally impactful ingredients for our products, allowing us not only to differentiate within the marketplace but also to advance our cause more strategically.”