17 Dec 2009 --- WellGen, Inc., a biotechnology company at the crossroads of foods and pharmaceuticals, and RFI Ingredients, a manufacturer of innovative natural ingredients, are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering a range of areas for cooperation. The new partnership is designed to enhance the business of both companies and bring exciting new natural products to the market. Products will have a strong base in science, solid clinical support, and affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status.

The MOU serves as a framework for collaboration on several high-growth opportunities: the creation of new medical foods for people with inflammation-related diseases for which there are major unmet needs; the creation of new dietary supplement and functional food products for consumer and health care professional markets; and the development and supply of natural ingredients with strong scientific and clinical support.

Commenting on the new relationship, Dr. Roddy Carter, president and chief executive officer of WellGen, states “the complementary skills of WellGen and RFI Ingredients will work synergistically to enhance the companies’ natural product offerings. Both companies have been acknowledged for their innovation and share a common interest in developing proprietary, high-quality products supported by strong clinical evidence. This collaboration will couple WellGen’s scientific and clinical know-how with RFI’s infrastructure and expertise in the natural products market. “

WellGen uses proprietary biotechnology methods and a deep understanding of natural products chemistry to develop and distinguish natural materials which they market in products for therapeutic purposes. WellGen is focused on inflammation-related disease for their medical food products and is currently working on a new medical food for diabetes.

RFI Ingredients, a manufacturer of natural ingredients has created a supply chain model and infrastructure that focuses on vertical integration and enhanced control over raw materials. RFI has an excellent track record in the development and marketing of branded ingredients. They have broad capabilities in ingredient supply and several proprietary ingredients in their portfolio of products. While RFI’s core business is ingredient supply, they also have two consumer brands, SoTru and PhytoRich.

“The proprietary research that WellGen has been conducting over the past four years combined with RFI’s innovative ingredients and superior approach to sourcing will provide a significant competitive advantage for both companies as we pursue parallel market opportunities.” stated RFI chief executive officer/ president and founder Jeff Wuagneux.