By Sheldon Baker09.29.23
Ilan Perry is co-chief executive officer, chief operating officer and vice president of product development for Haifa, Israel-based Lipogen.
Perry is responsible for making the Lipogen organization hum. He has a sharp eye for simplifying complexity, which is ideal for his role in directing product manufacturing, so it reaches maximum efficiency, quality, and safety.
A professed industrial designer, Perry finds ways to bring added value to business and community initiatives. His passion for helping others succeed has been key to the company’s success over the past 30-plus years. During this time, he introduced a program to integrate workers with special needs into operations for win-win outcomes.
When he’s not working, Perry volunteers in the community or is pursuing one of his many diverse interests, such as introducing aviation-related programs in local high schools. One of his hobbies is ancient maritime history, about which he has published several articles. He served as an officer in the Israeli Navy as a submariner. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Haifa.
Health E-Insights (HEI): How did the collaboration with Weizmann Institute lead you to the brain health wellness category?
Perry: We were three close friends, fresh out of military service as officers in the Israeli Navy—Doron Amir, David Rutenberg, and me. We were seeking our next purpose in our life. David served as an advisor to the Minister of Finance in the Israeli government, and through this connection we found ourselves getting to know brilliant minds at the renowned Weizmann Institute. These visionary scientists delved into a relatively innovative field: the study of brain membranes.
This discovery took place at a time when the field of brain health nutritional supplements was still in its infancy. Fueled by our passion and curiosity, we completely embraced this new path. Fast forward to today, and Lipogen stands proudly as a pioneer in brain health ingredients led by CognoLipid.
Our journey has led us to unlock the potential of the mind, empowering people to nourish their brains and enhance their overall wellbeing. Our story serves as evidence of what can happen when fate, science, and ambition come together. So here we are, committed to deeply impacting brain health and shaping a brighter future for all.
HEI: What are the core ingredients of CognoLipid?
Perry: There are two core ingredients in CognoLipid—phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidic acid (PA). PS is mainly known for its function in preserving the fluidity and stability of cell membranes. Moreover, PS plays a central role in promoting brain health and cognitive function associated with age-related memory loss.
PA is a key intermediate in the synthesis of other phospholipids, and it also serves as a signaling molecule in various cellular processes. CognoLipid is our unique formula that provides results beyond a single phospholipid. Furthermore, since 2003, it has been the only ingredient allowed for qualified health claims by the FDA concerning brain dysfunction and dementia.
HEI: The necessity to change to a plant-based ingredient must have been challenging?
Perry: Until the 1990s, phosphatidylserine was primarily derived from bovine. However, because of health concerns (due to mad cow disease), all products made from bovine brains were removed from retail store shelves. As a result, our collaborative scientists at the Weizmann Institute explored an alternative and safe source for human use, and they discovered it in plants.
From here, we needed to demonstrate that phosphatidylserine derived from plants would be as effective as the one obtained from bovine brains. In 1992, we presented the world's first phosphatidylserine clinical study results based on plants, showcasing excellent outcomes. Since then, we have presented several studies on cognitive function (performance) under psychological and social stress, focusing mainly on brain performance through Lipogen's CognoLipid research.
HEI: You indicated the supplement industry doesn’t know much about CognoLipid and the industry uses Lipogen clinical studies to support different products.
Perry: Indeed. Many companies in the supplement market use products from one company and research from another, which is often referred to as borrowed science. Such has been the case with our ingredients. Lipogen’s CognoLipid features a unique formula combining PS and PA. Using a single ingredient from the formula and attributing the formula's benefits solely to that ingredient is insufficient. Making the same claim for similar benefits would require using our specific trademarked and patented formulation. We are truly one-of-a-kind.
HEI: A recent review of brain health studies by U.S. neurologists found significant health benefits for CognoLipid. What did they discover?
Perry: It was quite exciting to see that our research was selected in a comprehensive review of studies conducted over a 40-year period by a team of American neurologists as one of the top 10 high-quality research projects, yielding very promising results in such a complicated field.
The research was initially published by Lonza in 2014, a company we had the honor to partner with for several years in the field of research and development.
It was naïve to embark on a clinical trial with a dietary supplement aimed at helping Alzheimer's patients. This suggestion came from a research institute specializing in geriatrics. The researchers showed a great interest in the results of our initial clinical study with CognoLipid, focusing on older individuals experiencing natural memory loss as part of the aging process. They presented a highly challenging proposition to conduct a clinical study with Alzheimer's patients. The results we obtained were remarkably positive. One of the aspects was that families of the patients who used CognoLipid continued to purchase the product. This contrasted with the control group that showed no interest in continuing the treatment.
HEI: What have CognoLipid studies shown to provide greater health benefits as people age?
Perry: CognoLipid provides greater health benefits for older individuals undergoing the natural process of memory loss as they age, but it can benefit younger people too. Remember, that in older individuals, cortisol levels are naturally higher, and CognoLipid promotes cortisol hormone regulation.
Many young people complain of memory loss and difficulty in concentration. Their complaints are often related to the pressures of modern life. CognoLipid can assist in stress management, thereby improving their coping abilities. It's known that cortisol hormone is one of the main factors affecting cognitive ability. Our clinical studies have included older participants in all research related to memory loss, and the participants in our stress-related studies were predominantly aged 20-35.
HEI: In your literature you reference “the productive zone.” Please elaborate.
Perry: Often you hear that being stressed is not good for you. However, being in a stress mode can also be helpful. It can help you stay focused and motivated so that you can handle whatever comes your way. This is what we refer to as being in the productive zone.
During our study, with CognoLipid we looked at two types of stress: psychological stress and social stress. Psychological stress means feeling emotionally and mentally strained, which can lead to anxiety, tension, and pressure. It can happen because of things like challenges at work, problems in relationships, money issues, or other important life events.
Social stress is when you feel stressed due to your interactions with other people and the relationships you have. This type of stress can greatly affect your wellbeing and mental health. In the Lipogen study, we divided the participants into two groups—one experiencing high levels of chronic stress and the other with chronic but not “high” stress. For each group we had a control group. During the research, we took physical measurements and evaluated the stress hormone cortisol, which is the most objective segment for stress.
The results we obtained showed that the group not experiencing high stress maintained cortisol levels within the normal range of the productive zone.
The other group experiencing high chronic stress, with CognoLipid, managed to keep within the productive zone throughout the experiment. People who are already feeling stressed out often become overwhelmed if they experience even a little more stress. Simply, we want to help people who have trouble managing their stress.
HEI: Why did you decide to separate studies on psychological stress based on gender?
Perry: In recent years, there has been a justified marketing trend to create a line of dietary supplements specifically for women, separate from those for men. This trend is highly welcomed because it is well-known that the hormonal structure of women differs from men. When it comes to studying stress, it is essential to understand that the response to stress is different between females and males. Therefore, our research on stress focused individually on both sexes.
HEI: Water-based production, solvent-free, and vegan are key characteristics of your product manufacturing processing. Please explain further what helps set you apart from others.
Perry: We believe in the 4 S’s: science, safety, sustainability, and simplicity. For science, every claim we present with CognoLipid is supported by a clinical study. Safety is supported by GRAS from the FDA and novel food from EU being the highest safety standards for food supplements.
Simplicity leads to sustainability. We established a water-based manufacturing facility instead of using organic solvents, which is the traditional way. It was challenging but has proved to be not just simpler but also more cost effective as well as for safety and efficacy for the environment and human health. In fact, our production processes mimic the human body. You don't consume and ingest a cup of solvents to drive a reaction within your body. Our body is a kind of reactor working with water.
About the Author: Sheldon Baker is CEO of Baker Dillon Group LLC and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing communications and public relations campaigns for well-known supplement and food industry companies. For Health E-Insights interview consideration or brand marketing consulting, contact him at SBaker@BakerDillon.com.
Perry is responsible for making the Lipogen organization hum. He has a sharp eye for simplifying complexity, which is ideal for his role in directing product manufacturing, so it reaches maximum efficiency, quality, and safety.
A professed industrial designer, Perry finds ways to bring added value to business and community initiatives. His passion for helping others succeed has been key to the company’s success over the past 30-plus years. During this time, he introduced a program to integrate workers with special needs into operations for win-win outcomes.
When he’s not working, Perry volunteers in the community or is pursuing one of his many diverse interests, such as introducing aviation-related programs in local high schools. One of his hobbies is ancient maritime history, about which he has published several articles. He served as an officer in the Israeli Navy as a submariner. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Haifa.
Health E-Insights (HEI): How did the collaboration with Weizmann Institute lead you to the brain health wellness category?
Perry: We were three close friends, fresh out of military service as officers in the Israeli Navy—Doron Amir, David Rutenberg, and me. We were seeking our next purpose in our life. David served as an advisor to the Minister of Finance in the Israeli government, and through this connection we found ourselves getting to know brilliant minds at the renowned Weizmann Institute. These visionary scientists delved into a relatively innovative field: the study of brain membranes.
This discovery took place at a time when the field of brain health nutritional supplements was still in its infancy. Fueled by our passion and curiosity, we completely embraced this new path. Fast forward to today, and Lipogen stands proudly as a pioneer in brain health ingredients led by CognoLipid.
Our journey has led us to unlock the potential of the mind, empowering people to nourish their brains and enhance their overall wellbeing. Our story serves as evidence of what can happen when fate, science, and ambition come together. So here we are, committed to deeply impacting brain health and shaping a brighter future for all.
HEI: What are the core ingredients of CognoLipid?
Perry: There are two core ingredients in CognoLipid—phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidic acid (PA). PS is mainly known for its function in preserving the fluidity and stability of cell membranes. Moreover, PS plays a central role in promoting brain health and cognitive function associated with age-related memory loss.
PA is a key intermediate in the synthesis of other phospholipids, and it also serves as a signaling molecule in various cellular processes. CognoLipid is our unique formula that provides results beyond a single phospholipid. Furthermore, since 2003, it has been the only ingredient allowed for qualified health claims by the FDA concerning brain dysfunction and dementia.
HEI: The necessity to change to a plant-based ingredient must have been challenging?
Perry: Until the 1990s, phosphatidylserine was primarily derived from bovine. However, because of health concerns (due to mad cow disease), all products made from bovine brains were removed from retail store shelves. As a result, our collaborative scientists at the Weizmann Institute explored an alternative and safe source for human use, and they discovered it in plants.
From here, we needed to demonstrate that phosphatidylserine derived from plants would be as effective as the one obtained from bovine brains. In 1992, we presented the world's first phosphatidylserine clinical study results based on plants, showcasing excellent outcomes. Since then, we have presented several studies on cognitive function (performance) under psychological and social stress, focusing mainly on brain performance through Lipogen's CognoLipid research.
HEI: You indicated the supplement industry doesn’t know much about CognoLipid and the industry uses Lipogen clinical studies to support different products.
Perry: Indeed. Many companies in the supplement market use products from one company and research from another, which is often referred to as borrowed science. Such has been the case with our ingredients. Lipogen’s CognoLipid features a unique formula combining PS and PA. Using a single ingredient from the formula and attributing the formula's benefits solely to that ingredient is insufficient. Making the same claim for similar benefits would require using our specific trademarked and patented formulation. We are truly one-of-a-kind.
HEI: A recent review of brain health studies by U.S. neurologists found significant health benefits for CognoLipid. What did they discover?
Perry: It was quite exciting to see that our research was selected in a comprehensive review of studies conducted over a 40-year period by a team of American neurologists as one of the top 10 high-quality research projects, yielding very promising results in such a complicated field.
The research was initially published by Lonza in 2014, a company we had the honor to partner with for several years in the field of research and development.
It was naïve to embark on a clinical trial with a dietary supplement aimed at helping Alzheimer's patients. This suggestion came from a research institute specializing in geriatrics. The researchers showed a great interest in the results of our initial clinical study with CognoLipid, focusing on older individuals experiencing natural memory loss as part of the aging process. They presented a highly challenging proposition to conduct a clinical study with Alzheimer's patients. The results we obtained were remarkably positive. One of the aspects was that families of the patients who used CognoLipid continued to purchase the product. This contrasted with the control group that showed no interest in continuing the treatment.
HEI: What have CognoLipid studies shown to provide greater health benefits as people age?
Perry: CognoLipid provides greater health benefits for older individuals undergoing the natural process of memory loss as they age, but it can benefit younger people too. Remember, that in older individuals, cortisol levels are naturally higher, and CognoLipid promotes cortisol hormone regulation.
Many young people complain of memory loss and difficulty in concentration. Their complaints are often related to the pressures of modern life. CognoLipid can assist in stress management, thereby improving their coping abilities. It's known that cortisol hormone is one of the main factors affecting cognitive ability. Our clinical studies have included older participants in all research related to memory loss, and the participants in our stress-related studies were predominantly aged 20-35.
HEI: In your literature you reference “the productive zone.” Please elaborate.
Perry: Often you hear that being stressed is not good for you. However, being in a stress mode can also be helpful. It can help you stay focused and motivated so that you can handle whatever comes your way. This is what we refer to as being in the productive zone.
During our study, with CognoLipid we looked at two types of stress: psychological stress and social stress. Psychological stress means feeling emotionally and mentally strained, which can lead to anxiety, tension, and pressure. It can happen because of things like challenges at work, problems in relationships, money issues, or other important life events.
Social stress is when you feel stressed due to your interactions with other people and the relationships you have. This type of stress can greatly affect your wellbeing and mental health. In the Lipogen study, we divided the participants into two groups—one experiencing high levels of chronic stress and the other with chronic but not “high” stress. For each group we had a control group. During the research, we took physical measurements and evaluated the stress hormone cortisol, which is the most objective segment for stress.
The results we obtained showed that the group not experiencing high stress maintained cortisol levels within the normal range of the productive zone.
The other group experiencing high chronic stress, with CognoLipid, managed to keep within the productive zone throughout the experiment. People who are already feeling stressed out often become overwhelmed if they experience even a little more stress. Simply, we want to help people who have trouble managing their stress.
HEI: Why did you decide to separate studies on psychological stress based on gender?
Perry: In recent years, there has been a justified marketing trend to create a line of dietary supplements specifically for women, separate from those for men. This trend is highly welcomed because it is well-known that the hormonal structure of women differs from men. When it comes to studying stress, it is essential to understand that the response to stress is different between females and males. Therefore, our research on stress focused individually on both sexes.
HEI: Water-based production, solvent-free, and vegan are key characteristics of your product manufacturing processing. Please explain further what helps set you apart from others.
Perry: We believe in the 4 S’s: science, safety, sustainability, and simplicity. For science, every claim we present with CognoLipid is supported by a clinical study. Safety is supported by GRAS from the FDA and novel food from EU being the highest safety standards for food supplements.
Simplicity leads to sustainability. We established a water-based manufacturing facility instead of using organic solvents, which is the traditional way. It was challenging but has proved to be not just simpler but also more cost effective as well as for safety and efficacy for the environment and human health. In fact, our production processes mimic the human body. You don't consume and ingest a cup of solvents to drive a reaction within your body. Our body is a kind of reactor working with water.
About the Author: Sheldon Baker is CEO of Baker Dillon Group LLC and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing communications and public relations campaigns for well-known supplement and food industry companies. For Health E-Insights interview consideration or brand marketing consulting, contact him at SBaker@BakerDillon.com.
