Gnosis by Lesaffre (Gnosis) is excited to announce the new identity of its non-animal, category-changing chondroitin sulphate.
Chondroitin is a natural component of human cartilage, bones, and connective tissues. It is a key structural element of cartilage, providing cushioning and lubrication for the joints. Chondroitin helps maintain the health and function of joint tissues by attracting water to the cartilage, absorbing shock, and inhibiting enzymes that break down cartilage. As a result, chondroitin has become a popular ingredient in many joint health supplements.
However, there were considerable concerns about the safety and purity of animal-derived chondroitin sulphates. Even when identified, nothing changed, and those concerns still exist today. Gnosis set its sights on eliminating those adulteration and consistency problems when it launched Mythocondro® in 2016.
“Chondroitin sulphate from our sustainable, patented fermentation process delivers a highly reliable and reproducible bioactive,” explains Kimmo Makinen, Gnosis by Lesaffre Head of Scientific Affairs., noting that Gnosis has two pharmacokinetic studies demonstrating superior bioavailability (+45%) over animal-derived chondroitin sulphate, and two clinical studies demonstrating superior bioavailability and efficacy at 600 mg/day.
MyCondro™: the only chondroitin sulphate from fermentation
Gnosis initiated the rebranding after recognising a shift in the joint health market.
“There is an increasing demand for more efficacious, more sustainable, and more convenient solutions. This is especially driven by consumers becoming more aware and informed about traditional animal-based sourcing methods, which can lead to heterogeneity, low quality, risk of contamination and adulteration,” says Xavier Berger, Global Market Manager, Mobility & Joint Health. “As a result, the market seeks alternative, high-quality, and reliable solutions to address these evolving consumer needs and concerns around joint health supplements.”
MyCondro™ is a new, shorter name offering an even more recognisable logo so it can be more easily identified and adopted by consumers, standing out on crowded shelves. What the brand is designed to convey:
"My" signifies its closeness to human chondroitin sulphate—crafted through fermentation technology to offer proven efficacy and superior bioavailability.
"Condro" directly links to chondroitin sulphate, emphasising that it is the same essential molecule but produced through a groundbreaking, animal-free process.
This name reassures customers that MyCondro™ is a pure, scientifically backed chondroitin sulphate, biomimicking what is naturally found in the human body—while disrupting the traditional, animal-derived market.
The chondroitin sulphate driven by research
Unfortunately, according to Berger, the problems plaguing animal-derived chondroitin have not changed. Suppliers face challenges to demonstrate efficacy due to the heterogeneity of the actives sourced from animal, which caused chondroitin to lose momentum with consumers. Yet, the consumers shopping for joint health support have widened—a category once dominated by traditional senior shoppers has grown exponentially, with younger demographics demanding environmentally conscious joint health support solutions that deliver promised results.
This new brand echoes Gnosis’ commitment to further investing in chondroitin sulfate from fermentation, especially in new science. This will provide the market with more affordable and science-backed solutions for effective joint health.
“Our chondroitin is anchored in our commitment to corporate social responsibility as we leverage fermentation and the power of micro-organisms to deliver an efficacious and planet-friendly solution,” Berger concludes. “MyCondro™ is a new brand name for a new era with sustainable chondroitin sulphate from fermentation to develop safer, more efficacious, and versatile answers for joint health and beyond. This is a long-term solution that benefits our customers—brand owners and CMOs—and, even more importantly, their consumers and the planet.”