The partnership combines EVANIUM's formulation technology with WACKER's global distribution network, regulatory infrastructure and long-standing expertise in cyclodextrins.
A fast-growing category with a formulation problem
Metabolic health has become one of the fastest-growing supplement categories, with weight management and blood sugar control now mainstream consumer concerns.
Much of this shift has been driven by the public attention given to GLP-1 medications and consumers are increasingly looking for natural, plant-based options for long-term use.
Global launches of berberine supplements grew at a compound annual rate of 58% between 2021 and 2025.
Berberine, however, is poorly soluble and poorly absorbed. Conventional products typically require daily doses of 1000–1500 mg, often split across several intakes, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and undermine consumer compliance.
OPTISOLV technology
EVANIUM developed OPTISOLV to address this limitation. The dual-coating system combines an inner cyclodextrin-based core with an outer phospholipid shell.
By stabilising berberine in a crystal-free state, it enhances absorption compared with native berberine and enables supplementation at lower doses.
This opens the door to more consumer-friendly products in metabolic health and emerging areas such as longevity.
Open innovation in practice
EVANIUM developed, validated and scaled the ingredient to industrial production before WACKER became involved.
WACKER adds a fully developed, market-ready ingredient to its nutrition portfolio, complementing its established cyclodextrin business, without the need for years of internal development.
"This partnership demonstrates how open innovation can accelerate speed to market," said Christian Hauk, Head of BioIngredients at WACKER's Biosolutions business division (pictured right).
"CAVABERINE perfectly complements our successful product family and expands our portfolio in one of the fastest-growing areas of consumer health."
Felix Rolka, founder and CEO of EVANIUM (pictured left), added: "WACKER brings the global network, the supply chain reliability, and the regulatory depth to put that technology in front of customers in every relevant market."
"That combination brings the ingredient to market in only a few months, faster than either of us could have managed alone."
Launch at SupplySide Global
WACKER will introduce CAVABERINE to the North American market at SupplySide Global in Las Vegas on 28 October.
The US is the largest single market for metabolic health supplements and the primary commercial focus of the partnership's first phase.
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