Cork’s Solvotrin Therapeutics and Nuance Pharma Partner to launch iron supplement in China 

The partnership aims to achieve €8.6m in retail sales value in three years and was developed by an Irish team of 17 at TCD

Solvotrin Therapeutics’ chief executive Pat O’Flynn, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and CEO of Nuance Pharma Mark G Lotter in China

The Irish-developed iron supplement brand Active Iron has announced an exclusive agreement to distribute Active Iron in China.

Developers, Cork-based healthcare business Solvotrin Therapeutics, announced an exclusive agreement with Nuance Pharma to distribute Active Iron in China. 

The partnership, which aims to achieve $10m (€8.6m) in retail sales value in three years, leverages Nuance Pharma’s experience in iron deficiency and women’s health to bring the iron technology to a broader patient base.

The announcement was made in Shanghai during a diplomatic visit, at a business event attended by Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, and hosted by David Murphy, Consul General of Ireland, along with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Bord Bia.

The Irish healthcare business has a team of 17, and was established through the Enterprise Ireland Business Partners Programme, with Research & Development located at Trinity College Dublin.

Solvotrin Therapeutics’ chief executive Pat O’Flynn and COO Ronan McClafferty, described the Active Iron patent as a breakthrough.

Active Iron’s patented technology allows enhanced absorption, tolerability and efficacy, solving the challenges of oral iron intolerance and maximising uptake, while minimising nausea and constipation.

“We are pleased to announce this strategic partnership with Nuance,” said Mr O’Flynn.

“Nuance’s agile, innovation-led model allows us to bring a trusted, clinically driven solution to consumers in China, and we acknowledge the support of Enterprise Ireland in facilitating this initial engagement. 

"Active Iron is now a leading brand across Europe and the United States, and we look forward to bringing a trusted, clinically driven solution to consumers in China”.

The supplement will initially be available to Chinese consumers via the Active Iron Global Flagship Store on leading e-commerce platforms, Tmall and Douyin. 

Healthcare is now the number one category on Tmall and iron is one of the fastest growing at 40%. The broader health supplements market in China is projected to grow to $58.2bn by 2027. 

Oral iron is seeing significant growth, driven by greater awareness of iron deficiency anaemia, especially among pregnant and menstruating women.

Mark G. Lotter, CEO of Nuance Pharma, said: “Partnering with Solvotrin Therapeutics represents an exciting opportunity to bring Ireland’s premier iron technology to a broader patient base, and address the spectrum of iron-related health needs, particularly in women’s health. 

"We look forward to making this standout product accessible to patients across China.”