Israel’s TopGum Industries acquires PharmitBe specialist chemical analysis firm

Israeli-based functional gummy specialist TopGum Industries has confirmed a deal to acquire PharmItBe chemical analytical services, which the business revealed would further enhance its quality control capabilities, reports Neill Barston.

The move comes as the business recently released its latest organic series of sugar-free sweets within the fast-rising nutritional health market segment, enhancing the overall portfolio of the business.

As part of its latest purchase, the company, which is appearing at Vitafoods Europe between May 9-11, booth #N230, has named Dr Evgenia Lozinsky, former CEO of PharmItBe as TopGum’s head of R&D, with the gummy business using PharmItBe’s fully equipped, FDA certified laboratory to access comprehensive chemical-analytical services.

The newly-acquired company’s R&D capabilities are anticipated to accelerate TopGum’s pharma-grade gummies development for a new facility. The plant, supported by a US$40 million investment, is scheduled to be operational by the end of this year.

PharmItBe was founded by Dr. Evgenia Lozinsky, PhD in 2016 as an FDA-certified advanced analytical laboratory that develops formulations and new delivery formats as well as providing analytics laboratory services to international pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, and food companies. Following the acquisition, Lozinsky will serve as VP of R&D for TopGum. She will oversee all R&D activities of the company, including innovating new products for customers, developing a unique microencapsulation formula, creating products for the new state-of-the-art TopGum facility, and leading the development of pharma-grade OTC gummies.

According to the company, Lozinsky will still serve as the president of PharmItBe alongside her position as head of TopGum R&D. The company will continue to operate as stand-alone, FDA-certified analytical lab, as TopGum’s future subsidiary and provide services to other leading international companies.

Lozinsky holds a PhD in chemistry from Ben Gurion University, and served for 20 years as a senior R&D manager at several companies, including Agis Industries, Ltd. and Perrigo Co., plc. She has wide experience leading drug development and in advanced analytical chemistry.

“It is exciting to have PharmItBe join the TopGum family,” says Amichai Bar-Nir, TopGum CEO. “I look forward to our developing the next generation of gummy supplements. This acquisition makes it possible to improve our supply-chain process and meet the highest quality standards internationally, which will allow us to provide better service to our customers worldwide. Our ability to deliver on innovation, quality, and service should be greatly enhanced.”

“We are proud to report this important milestone for the company’s expansion,” states Hagai Stadler, chairman of TopGum. “The acquisition will allow TopGum to accelerate the development of products for the pharmaceutical world, as well as improve the company’s supply chain, quality assurance, and operational efficiencies. We are happy to have Dr. Lozinsky as part of TopGum’s management team.”

TopGum recently launched a new, sugar-free delivery system. The next-gen USDA certified organic sugar-free gummies answer consumer demand for exciting, flavourful, guilt-free nutritional supplements. TopGum’s new organic line includes five gummy supplements includes gummies that deliver a range of ingredients, such as the B-vitamin biotin, vitamin D, and a delicious antioxidant-balanced berry blend. It also includes flavor-challenging ingredients like zinc and ashwagandha, rendering them more palatable for consumers to enjoy. TopGum plans to launch an additional line of innovative gummies, implementing its advanced micro-encapsulation technology.

“I am eager to lead TopGum’s R&D and channel our mutual experience to bringing the company to new heights,” added Lozinsky. “PharmItBe found the perfect ‘family’ to continue its journey, and as an experienced formulation and chemistry analytical developer, I look forward to working closely with TopGum’s management team to further the company’s vision and success.”