Pycnogenol Gains French GMP Certification

GENEVA, Switzerland—Horphag Research announced the extraction facility producing its French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol®, received GMP (good manufacturing practice) certification from the French Health Products Safety Agency (AFSSAPS). The ingredient is produced by Biolandes, Le Sen, France, in a dedicated extraction plant for Horphag; Biolandes has made significant investments to meet GMP standards and increase production capacity to meet rising demand for Pycnogenol in the dietary supplement, cosmeceutical and functional food/beverage industries.

Victor Ferrari, CEO, Horphag, said: “Horphag Research is pleased with the GMP certificate and considers this to be in accordance with our commitment to quality, safety and efficacy. ... GMP certification was a top priority as we continue to differentiate Pycnogenol in the marketplace as a superior ingredient while providing customers exceptional quality raw material and proper compliance measures.”

The GMP certification process required extensive inspections of the Biolandes manufacturing site, located in southwestern France. Specifications for compliance included quality control, management of the manufacturing/extraction processes and facility, and testing of the ingredient to ensure purity and composition.