Evonik’s non-animal-derived squalene PhytoSquene is now available produced under GMP.Launched last year, PhytoSquene, is the first GMP amaranth oil-derived squalene on the market for use in adjuvants in parenteral dosage forms.

By offering plant-based squalene, Evonik is meeting the demand for a secure commercial supply of squalene for pharmaceutical applications, which is currently refined from shark liver oil.

Evonik's life sciences division, Nutrition & Care, is committed to reducing the need for animal-derived products and preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. The company aims to transform more than 70 percent of its portfolio to Next Generation Solutions by 2032. These solutions are based on a thorough portfolio assessment and represent a superior sustainability benefit.

“With PhytoSquene, our customers can create a drug product that promotes a healthy life and reduces dependence on animal-derived materials. Our GMP material now helps move these sustainable pharmaceuticals into the clinical and commercial phase,” said Paul Spencer, head of Drug Delivery & Products at Evonik’s Health Care business.

PhytoSquene is made from the oil of amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) which is an herbaceous plant cultivated in many parts of the world. PhytoSquene manufactured under GMP is the latest of Evonik’s innovations to provide the market with sustainable, non-animal-derived solutions. In 2021, Evonik increased the global supply of the pharma-grade, plant-derived cholesterol PhytoChol.

Squalene is a natural organic compound that is used as a component in some adjuvant systems. Adjuvants are additives that boost the body’s immune response to the active ingredient in a vaccine.