Kyowa Hakko’s Katie Emerson & Tony Miano: Setria Glutathione & Cognizin Analysis Updates

0:00 – Introductions: Reconnecting with Katie Emerson at Expo West 2025

Cognizin® Citicoline is dubbed the The Mind Choline not simply because it supplies choline, however as a result of it additionally provides cytidine, which can also be wanted for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine

The episode opens with Mike and Ben welcoming Katie Emerson again to the podcast after roughly 18 months. Katie shares that she’s skilled some important life and profession adjustments, now working with Kyowa Hakko USA in a job that permits her to pursue her ardour for analysis. The workforce introduces Tony Miano, a first-time visitor on the PricePlow Podcast who brings in depth beverage business expertise courting again to 2010. Tony’s background pairs completely with implementing Cognizin® in varied product purposes.

Katie explains her present place as Senior Supervisor of Scientific Affairs at Kyowa, the place she’s taking the lead on quite a few analysis research. She reveals they’re at the moment working or planning three Cognizin research and growing new analysis on Setria® Glutathione, highlighting her pleasure about uncovering new purposes for these established elements.

3:00 – Katie because the Bridge Between Academia and Trade

Ben acknowledges Katie’s distinctive capacity to bridge the hole between educational requirements and sensible business purposes. The workforce discusses how Katie excels at growing scientifically legitimate analysis that delivers actionable insights for manufacturers with out requiring pharmaceutical-scale budgets.

Katie emphasizes the significance of making analysis that’s “scientifically informative and attention-grabbing” whereas remaining life like about dietary dietary supplements’ capabilities. She positions herself as connecting academia with manufacturing and utility, creating invaluable relationships between analysis and real-world product growth.

4:15 – Expanded Construction-Operate Claims for Cognizin

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The dialog shifts to Cognizin, which has been featured in earlier discussions targeted on beverage purposes. Mike mentions a considerable PDF of structure-function claims that Kyowa supplies to manufacturers and media companions, noting that the doc considerably expanded between 2023 and 2024 due to Katie’s efforts.

Katie confirms her position on this enlargement, explaining how she spent her first six months at Kyowa totally reviewing present analysis to determine untapped potential. She shares a particular instance of discovering research exhibiting Cognizin reduces MDA (malondialdehyde) ranges, a biomarker of oxidative stress. This discovering connects to Cognizin’s capacity to stimulate glutathione within the mind, opening up new oxidative stress-related claims they hadn’t beforehand utilized.

It’s additionally value noting the January 2025 article value studying, “Kyowa Hakko Strengthens Cognizin® Patent Safety: The Gold Commonplace in Citicoline Will get Stronger“.

7:15 – Deep Dive on Aldehydes and Oxidative Stress

Mike takes a second to elaborate on why Katie’s MDA discovery is important, explaining that aldehydes (together with malondialdehyde) are “horrifically unhealthy” compounds. He attracts parallels to alcohol metabolism, the place acetaldehyde causes extra hurt than the alcohol itself, and explains that methanol’s toxicity comes from its conversion to formaldehyde (which is why wooden alcohol — methanol — makes individuals blind and may not be consumed).

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Katie describes her pleasure at discovering this connection between Cognizin and lowered MDA ranges, emphasizing it reveals one other helpful mechanism past the ingredient’s well-known cognitive results. She mentions this discovery sparked curiosity in potential mixture research with Setria Glutathione, given the biochemical relationship between citicoline and glutathione manufacturing.

8:30 – From “Helps” to “Improves”: Strengthening Claims

Katie discusses how her analysis analysis allowed Kyowa to strengthen sure claims, altering language from “helps focus and a spotlight” to “improves focus and a spotlight” primarily based on the totality of proof from present research.

Tony emphasizes the importance of this shift from a gross sales perspective, noting that whereas manufacturers all the time need to toughen claims, Kyowa maintains a conservative method as a Japanese firm (Kyowa Hakko is part of Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd). Katie’s deep analysis has helped them confidently supply stronger, scientifically-backed claims that manufacturers recognize, with out overstepping regulated boundaries.

10:15 – New Analysis Areas: Temper, Motor Operate, and Sports activities Efficiency

The workforce discusses ongoing and upcoming analysis initiatives for Cognizin. Tony reveals that one key space they’re exploring is temper results, whereas Katie provides they’re additionally strengthening claims round motor operate and growing sports-specific research.

When requested how researchers measure motor operate, Katie mentions that one present research with adolescents makes use of a fingertip take a look at as an evaluation methodology, for which they’ve a faucet problem cellphone app. The dialog then transitions to Setria Glutathione, which Tony wears prominently on his shirt.

11:30 – Setria Glutathione and Cognizin Connection

Kyowa Hakko’s premium Setria® Glutathione stars in GHOST Fundamentals Vitamin C + Glutathione! This highly effective antioxidant duo defends towards free radicals, helps immune well being, and enhances restoration.

Mike notes that whereas they’ve mentioned Setria Glutathione beforehand on the podcast, notably with GHOST Way of life as a big consumer (see our current GHOST Vitamin C + Glutathione article, and it’s additionally in GHOST Pump), they haven’t totally explored the connection between Cognizin and glutathione ranges. Katie acknowledges she’s nonetheless analyzing the info however believes the elements work higher collectively than individually.

She explains that whereas Cognizin does seem to extend glutathione ranges, the impact isn’t as substantial as taking Setria straight. The workforce discusses how in sports activities vitamin, Setria is valued for extending pumps, whereas Cognizin serves totally different functions, although the interaction between them is intriguing.

12:30 – Kyowa Hakko’s Strategy to Ingredient Synergy

Workforce PricePlow positions Kyowa as a “patron saint of synergy”, referencing earlier discussions about ingredient combos like arginine and citrulline, that are coated in our Kyowa High quality article (they’re made within the USA!). Katie explains that whereas initially there may be considerations about inside competitors between elements, Kyowa’s Japanese mission of well being and wellness drives them to seek out optimum options for customers, even when which means combining their very own elements.

Pictures courtesy Kyowa Hakko, the sponsor of this podcast

She notes that they haven’t totally explored all potential synergies but however agrees with the method of testing whether or not combos work higher than particular person elements. This philosophy aligns with their analysis on citrulline and Setria for extending nitric oxide manufacturing and enhancing restoration.

14:00 – Assessment of Setria Analysis Research

The dialog shifts to reviewing current Setria analysis research. Katie mentions a 2023 research that constructed upon earlier analysis, acknowledging Mike’s level about comparability challenges in earlier research. She explains that the primary two research, carried out by Darryn Willoughby’s workforce, used totally different types of citrulline (L-citrulline vs. citrulline malate) with 200mg of Setria Glutathione.^[1]

Mike factors out a possible subject with evaluating pure L-citrulline to citrulline malate, because the latter incorporates much less precise citrulline by weight. Regardless of this limitation, Katie emphasizes that the research nonetheless offered invaluable endpoints, exhibiting nitric oxide ranges persevering with to rise half-hour post-exercise with the Setria-citrulline mixture.

16:30 – Extracting Worth from Imperfect Research

Kyowa Hakko USA earns 4th patent for Cognizin Citicoline, additional validating visible consideration & cognitive efficiency advantages. New IP covers strategies for enhancing consideration, motor operate & processing velocity.

Ben appreciates Katie’s method to analysis, noting how she will extract invaluable insights even from research with methodological limitations. Moderately than discounting research that don’t completely match expectations, she makes use of them to construct a extra complete understanding and information future analysis.

Mike mentions that trendy pre-workouts have developed past the 2-gram citrulline doses utilized in early research, citing examples like Cellucor’s new C4 Alpha Bomb with a lot greater doses. Nevertheless, Katie emphasizes that the Setria-citrulline mixture permits formulators to attain related results with decrease doses, creating room for extra elements.

18:30 – Setria for Sport: Rebranding and Positioning

Tony discusses the evolution from “Setria Efficiency Mix” to “Setria for Sport“, representing a strategic repositioning quite than a method change. The workforce discusses current traits in citrulline dosing, with Mike mentioning “citrulline arms races” with doses reaching 12 grams in some merchandise.

The workforce agrees that Setria affords formulators a bonus by permitting decrease citrulline doses whereas sustaining advantages, doubtlessly decreasing digestive discomfort some customers expertise with high-dose citrulline merchandise. They reference how Glaxon created a number of merchandise with totally different Kyowa ingredient combos to maximise advantages whereas navigating labeling necessities.

20:30 – Labeling and Positioning Setria for Sport

C4 Sensible Power incorporates Cognizin citicoline

When requested about particular labeling necessities for Setria for Sport, Katie explains it includes no less than 200mg of Setria Glutathione paired with no less than 2 grams of citrulline. She notes they’re nonetheless finalizing the rebranding particulars and haven’t decided precise label necessities but.

Katie summarizes the 4 key research supporting the citrulline-glutathione mixture, together with the newer analysis by Abby Smith Ryan analyzing flow-mediated dilation quite than plasma nitrates. Tony explains this positioning technique permits them to focus on totally different demographics with the identical elements, much like how they may place Setria otherwise for immune well being versus pores and skin well being purposes.

22:15 – Resolution-Based mostly Strategy to Buyer Wants

The PricePlow guys praise Kyowa’s solution-oriented method to addressing buyer wants. Moderately than criticizing present formulations, they concentrate on fixing issues and discovering methods to boost merchandise. Katie acknowledges the significance of accountable claims, mentioning her expertise with potential authorized challenges and the way that informs their cautious method.

23:15 – Move-Mediated Dilation and Claims Growth

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Mike asks for clarification on flow-mediated dilation measurements and the way they translate into marketable claims. Katie explains the methodology utilizing blood stress cuffs and Doppler ultrasound to measure blood movement by way of the brachial artery, demonstrating that the Setria-citrulline mixture enhances blood movement extra successfully than citrulline alone.

She highlights how this analysis helps each Tony’s “muscle pump” advertising angle and her personal curiosity in restoration advantages, noting that she’d wish to conduct future research measuring restoration parameters like DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) or VASA scoring to quantify post-workout restoration advantages.

24:45 – Navigating Regulatory Language for Pump Claims

The workforce discusses the challenges of translating analysis on flow-mediated dilation and nitric oxide manufacturing into compliant advertising claims. Katie confirms their present verified claims embody “longer-lasting nitric oxide manufacturing” and “longer-lasting nitric oxide enhance post-exercise” whereas noting the issue of scientifically defining and measuring the generally used time period “pump” in a approach that satisfies regulatory necessities.

Mike acknowledges the shortage of standardized strategies for measuring pump results, making it troublesome to check totally different elements objectively. Katie expresses her want to ascertain extra measurable outcomes like restoration metrics to strengthen claims past the present nitric oxide manufacturing information.

26:00 – Oral Glutathione Bioavailability

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The dialog turns to oral glutathione bioavailability, with Katie referencing earlier analysis analyzing glutathione ranges in complete blood, crimson blood cells, and even buccal cells after supplementation. She finds the buccal cell information notably attention-grabbing, because it demonstrates how an orally consumed capsule can ship glutathione to cells all through the physique.

A doubtlessly controversial query about injectable versus oral glutathione is raised, with Katie confirming that Setria is viable as an oral complement with its personal set of substantiated claims. She clarifies that whereas they’re not claiming oral glutathione is superior to injections, they’re confidently stating that oral supplementation works successfully for its meant functions.

The workforce discusses the sensible benefits of oral glutathione supplementation in comparison with intravenous administration. Katie notes that injectable choices aren’t accessible or sensible for many customers, and Tony emphasizes Kyowa’s concentrate on comfort by way of varied supply codecs together with meals, drinks, powders, and capsules.

Katie mentions they’re engaged on inside stability information to develop Setria purposes, acknowledging some challenges however emphasizing their dedication to creating the ingredient extra broadly accessible. She additionally references dose-response research exhibiting that greater doses taken constantly result in higher glutathione shops over time, with no ceiling impact noticed.

29:15 – Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

Kyowa SSW 2023 Panel: Branded Components and Collaborative Competitors with Dan, Joey, and Chris of Ghost, Glaxon, and Nutrabolt

The podcast concludes with mutual appreciation, with Tony noting that is his first look on the PricePlow Podcast however not the primary collaboration between PricePlow and Kyowa Hakko. The workforce acknowledges that is their first podcast recording outdoors of SupplySide West, going down at Expo West 2025.