Finland-based Raisio to introduce 'Benecol'

Bangalore, Feb 21 (UNI) Finland-based Raisio Nutrition Limited will introduce its popular cholesterol reducing product 'Benecol' in India and Asia, in a business partneship with the city-based British Biologicals, a leading Indian nutritional supplier.

Talking to newspersons here today, Mr Mikkao Laavainen, Director, Raisio Nutrition Limited, said Raisio had entered into a business partnership with British Biologicals to launch its Plant Stanon Ester 'Benecol' under the brand name 'Colred Benecol,' a nutritional product which reduces cholesterol naturally.

He said ''Raisio is manufacturing various products, including B-Protin, D-Protin and Medi-Slim.'' Mr Laavainen said Raisio shares over 30 per cent of the USD one billion global market. It was being introduced in Asia, Africa and other Latin American countries, he said.

Rasio's Plant Stanol Ester-Benecol has proved its efficacy in controlling elevated cholesterol in 40 randomised controlled global clinical trials.

There were no adverse effects in clinical and toxicological studies. The product had been endorsed by Food and Drug Administration of USA and FOSHU of Japan.

The product also recommended by the US National Cholesterol Education Programme, the European Union Scientific Committee on Foods and the International Atherosclerosis society, he said.

Mr V S Reddy, Managing Director, British Biologicals, who also present on the occasion, said his company enjoys over 23 per cent of Indian market had tied-up with Raisio to produce Benecol and market it with its well-knit distribution network across the country.

The company also plans to firm up a business partnership in Russia to market its wide range of products.

Mr V Sridhar, Executive Director, British Biologicals, said the company's strength lies in its research based nutrition supplement and with such research and development it would launch products in specialities such as Orthopedics, Oncology, Nephrology and Cardiology shortly.

UNI MV RM DS 1813