logo
Abinopharm, Inc. and EGT Synbio Announce Successful Human Clinical Trials on Oral L-Ergothioneine (Dr.Ergo®) for Skin Health

Abinopharm, Inc. and EGT Synbio Announce Successful Human Clinical Trials on Oral L-Ergothioneine (Dr.Ergo®) for Skin Health

Yahooa day ago
SHELTON, Conn., July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abinopharm, Inc., an innovative nutritional and biopharmaceutical company based in Shelton, Connecticut, USA, is pleased to announce that its partner, EGT Synbio, headquartered in Shanghai, China, has successfully completed two human clinical trials evaluating the effects of oral L-ergothioneine (Dr.Ergo®) on skin health. Abinopharm, Inc. is the exclusive U.S. collaborator and distributor for EGT Synbio's premium L-ergothioneine product, Dr.Ergo®.
L-Ergothioneine was first isolated in 1909 by French chemist Charles Tanret from the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea), giving the compound its name: 'ergo' from ergot and 'thioneine' denoting a sulfur-containing compound. Although ergothioneine is found in many plants and animals, it cannot be synthesized by them and must be acquired from fungi—especially mushrooms—and certain bacteria. In humans, dietary intake of mushrooms, particularly shiitake, maitake, and oyster mushrooms, which contain 10–13 mg/100 g dry weight, is the main source.
For many years, the biological significance of ergothioneine remained obscure. This changed in 2005 when Professor Günther Gündemann discovered the ergothioneine-specific transporter OCTN1 (SLC22A4), which facilitates its accumulation in nearly all human tissues, particularly in the bone marrow, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, brain, eyes, and skin.
Professor Barry Halliwell, a pioneer in the study of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, later identified ergothioneine as one of the most potent natural antioxidants. He demonstrated its role in mitigating oxidative damage and inflammation—factors contributing to conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), cardiovascular disorders, and liver disease. Studies have also shown that ergothioneine has high bioavailability, a long half-life in the human body, and offers cellular protection—particularly within mitochondria—thereby helping maintain cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and support healthy longevity.
In 2018, renowned biochemist Professor Bruce Ames proposed that ergothioneine be classified as a 'longevity vitamin'—a micronutrient not essential for immediate survival but vital for long-term health and healthy aging. He suggested that low levels of ergothioneine may accelerate aging and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
A Nutrient for Radiant and Resilient Skin
Ergothioneine is a multifunctional skincare nutrient known for its antioxidant power, anti-inflammatory effects, and UV protection. It protects skin cell components—lipids, DNA, and proteins—from oxidative damage and premature aging, helps prevent photoaging (e.g., sunspots, collagen breakdown), soothes redness and inflammation (e.g., acne, eczema, sensitive skin), promotes even skin tone and radiance, supports collagen synthesis and elasticity, and enhances skin hydration.
While ergothioneine has been used topically in cosmetic products for years, a 2024 Japanese clinical study confirmed its effectiveness as an oral "beauty-from-within" ingredient. In this study, participants who consumed a hiratake (oyster mushroom) tablet containing 25 mg of ergothioneine daily experienced significant improvements in facial skin moisture and overall skin condition (Frontiers in Medicine, 2024).
New Clinical Results with Dr.Ergo®
Abinopharm and EGT Synbio now report results from two human clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of Dr.Ergo® L-ergothioneine for skin health:
Open-label trial in China (2023):Nineteen healthy participants consumed 25 mg of Dr.Ergo® daily for four weeks. Dermatological assessments using the VISIA imaging system revealed visible improvements in skin pores, wrinkles, UV spots, brown spots, and porphyrins. No adverse effects were reported. Results were published in the American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research (DOI: 10.34297/AJBSR.2023.20.002779).
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Japan (2024):Conducted by the Japan Clinical Trial Association (JACTA), this 8-week study enrolled 66 healthy women aged 35 to 59. Participants received 30 mg of Dr.Ergo® daily. Skin parameters including brightness, tone, melanin, erythema, gloss, elasticity, and spots were measured using scientific instruments and questionnaires. After 8 weeks, participants showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.01) in brightness, elasticity, melanin levels, erythema, wrinkles, and skin gloss. No significant adverse events were reported. Details available at ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT06886061.Quality and Safety Commitment
Dr.Ergo® is produced using a patented full enzymatic fermentation process (EP 4520819A1) under strict cGMP standards. It has been granted (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, NSF GMP certification, HACCP compliance, and HALAL certification. The product adheres to ICH quality guidelines, with purity and optical purity >99.9%. All impurities, heavy metals, and microbial levels are controlled within USP limits.
About EGT SynbioEGT Synbio pioneers biological solutions for anti-aging. Its scientific team develops clinically validated compounds, including the premium Dr.Ergo® L-Ergothioneine—an odorless, stable crystal ingredient used by global brands and certified by U.S. GRAS, EU Novel Food, and NSF. In 2024, EGT Synbio launched EquoPro™ (S)-Equol and Dr.SPD™ Spermidine Hydrochloride, expanding its offerings in dietary supplements, skincare, and pharmaceuticals. Its ingredients are now widely used across functional foods, luxury beauty, and medical-grade nutrition.
About Abinopharm, Inc.Abinopharm, Inc. is a U.S.-based nutritional and biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing premium health products in the U.S. and globally. Its nutritional division specializes in longevity ingredients, partnering with leading academic and industry experts. The company's NMN ingredient (AbinoNutra®NMN) holds Self-Affirmed GRAS status and has been clinically validated in collaboration with Professor Andrea Maier. Other flagship ingredients include L-Ergothioneine (Dr.Ergo®), Fisetin (BeFisetin®), Urolithin A, CaAKG, Spermidine (Dr.SPD™), S-Equol (EquoPro™), and Hydroxytyrosol. Abinopharm offers regulatory support (e.g., GRAS, NPN), as well as private-label solutions for supplements made in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Contact:Public ServiceAbinopharm, Inc.info@abinopharm.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee4e5818-8a0c-486f-80e4-d7c4feef2e04Sign in to access your portfolio
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Veterans Affairs Dept. Scales Back Plans for Vast Job Cuts
Veterans Affairs Dept. Scales Back Plans for Vast Job Cuts

New York Times

time7 minutes ago

  • New York Times

Veterans Affairs Dept. Scales Back Plans for Vast Job Cuts

The Department of Veterans Affairs has scaled back its effort to reduce its work force by more than 80,000 people, saying on Monday that it intended to cut nearly 30,000 jobs by the end of September instead. The department effectively abandoned its previous plan to fire tens of thousands of workers as part of President Trump's wide-reaching plan to slash the federal bureaucracy. The new target, outlined in a department news release, would slash a work force that numbered 484,000 earlier this year to about 455,000. Nearly 17,000 employees have already left. Instead of firing workers, the rest of the cuts would be made by offering early retirement or severance payments, along with what the department described as 'normal attrition' — the small percentage of employees who quit or move to other jobs every year. 'A departmentwide R.I.F. is off the table,' said Doug Collins, the veterans affairs secretary, referring to a reduction in force, the formal process to initiate mass layoffs in the agency. 'As a result of our efforts, V.A. is headed in the right direction — both in terms of staff levels and customer service,' he said. The department, which provides health care for military veterans, had previously insisted that job cuts would not affect services, and said again on Monday that it had 'multiple safeguards in place' to prevent disruptions. A law signed by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. had significantly expanded the veterans benefits system and set off a record-breaking hiring spree at the department. The department said on Monday that it had continued to cut a backlog of benefits claims after a spike during the Biden administration. In addition to its primary mission of providing care to veterans and serving as the nation's backup health care system, the department also oversees some medical research and manages veterans benefits programs — like pensions, banking, home loans, insurance, job training and funding for college degrees.

Apple is still trying to overturn the ban on the Apple Watch blood oxygen sensor
Apple is still trying to overturn the ban on the Apple Watch blood oxygen sensor

Yahoo

time8 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Apple is still trying to overturn the ban on the Apple Watch blood oxygen sensor

Apple is making another attempt to appeal the trade ban that forced it to remove the blood oxygen sensor from its smartwatches, Reuters reports. The company was forced to remove the feature in 2024, following a decision from the International Trade Commission (ITC) in 2023 that banned sales of the Apple Watch for violating health tech startup Masimo's patents. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard new arguments from Apple and Masimo's lawyers on Monday over the legality of the original ITC ban. Apple's argument is that the fact Masimo was developing its own smartwatch when Apple released the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020 — the first of the company's wearables with a blood oxygen sensor — shouldn't be enough to justify the ban. Masimo disagrees. The appeals court has heard the company's arguments before, and even briefly paused the trade ban in December 2023 while the ITC considered Apple's request for a longer pause. Ultimately, the ITC ruled in Masimo's favor and denied Apple's request. Apple removed the blood oxygen sensor in 2024 so it could restart sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US. The companies' fight goes beyond just the blood oxygen sensor — Masimo's smartwatches were, ironically, found to infringe on Apple patents — but clearly Apple is hung up on the feature. The company's blood oxygen sensor was never as accurate as the pulse oximeters used in a doctor's office, but it was part of a fairly comprehensive suite of heart health features on the smartwatch. It's entirely possible Apple wants to reintroduce it in its watches as part of an even more ambitious health feature down the road.

From Isolation To Intention: How We Can Embrace And Ease Loneliness
From Isolation To Intention: How We Can Embrace And Ease Loneliness

Forbes

time31 minutes ago

  • Forbes

From Isolation To Intention: How We Can Embrace And Ease Loneliness

Group of people holding hand together in the park 'It did not get easier; it just got different,' said Dr. Christina Wyman, a USA Today bestselling author and teacher living in Michigan, who experienced the devastating effects of chronic loneliness for five years. 'Most of my evenings and weekends were spent alone, filled with a silence that echoed within my ears, in my throat, and deep into my chest,' she shared. According to a new report from the UN World Health Organization (WHO), one in six people experience loneliness, a reality with serious implications for health and well-being. Loneliness has become a pressing public health concern, threatening our quality of life, safety, and even our environment. Among older adults, loneliness and social isolation are recognized as top issues in aging. A 2025 study by the Alliance for Health Policy revealed that mental health challenges and isolation are pervasive among this population—often stemming from loss, chronic pain, and systemic neglect. So, how do we reduce feelings of loneliness, particularly among vulnerable older adults and others at risk? The answer is complex. Loneliness is a deeply human experience—multifaceted, unique, and shaped by personal history. Perhaps, instead of trying to "cure" loneliness, the solution lies in learning to embrace it, even as we work to ease its effects—especially in chronic cases. Dutch priest and theologian Henri Nouwen once wrote that, "The best of community does give one a deep sense of belonging and well-being; and in that sense, community takes away loneliness." A wealth of research supports this—community can help reduce loneliness. But not just any community will do. What we truly need is a sense of belonging—spaces where we feel safe, respected, and valued. Take older caregivers, for instance. Loneliness can be acute or chronic. But access to support groups, intentional friendships, or local resources—such as respite care services or adult day programs—can ease the burden. Even if loneliness persists, these supports can make a painful situation more bearable. Dr. Kayse Maass, an industrial engineer who leads the Operations Research and Social Justice Lab at Northeastern University, put it plainly: 'What we often need is community care [...] but we also need to design our systems and communities so people have space to live healthy lifestyles.' Advancing community care demands a foundational shift toward empathy—a cultural framework that affirms each individual's worth, dignity, and need for connection. Older women playing board game in a retirement home. While systemic change is crucial, we also hold personal power. There are meaningful ways to embrace and work through loneliness, regardless of age or circumstance. Here are a few: 1. Find An Intentional Community Start small. Volunteer at a local thrift store. Chat with staff at your neighborhood coffee shop. Attend a book club, faith group, or fitness class. Even if you're not ready to participate, being present at trivia nights, karaoke events, or support groups can offer a sense of connection. The key is to seek out communities that align with your interests and values. Lastly, stay open to forming friendships across all ages—you never know who might become a meaningful connection. 2. Build Resilience To Loneliness There will be times when others aren't available. So, how do we cope? Engage in self-care practices: take walks, spend time in nature, try crafts, journal, or meditate. Pursue activities that bring joy or offer a sense of purpose. Speaking with a mental health professional can also help—both to navigate your circumstances and to determine whether loneliness might be linked to conditions like depression or social anxiety. Still, it's important to remember: building resilience doesn't erase systemic barriers. Privilege plays a significant role in shaping who has access to resources and support. 3. Acknowledge Your True Self Are you more introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between? Do you thrive in solitude, or are you energized by connection? Would moving closer to friends and loved ones improve your well-being? Reflecting on your social needs and relationship values can guide you toward deeper, more meaningful connections. Dr. Wyman shared, 'The lack of community I endured during this time became unsustainable. Less than a year before the pandemic took hold, I left my professional life and moved back in with Matt (her fiancé). I'd always been on the fast track toward a career. But in the end, the need for intimate human connection outweighed the promise of professional opportunity. [...] If not for my relationship, I'm confident I would have left the country in search of other cultures.' She isn't alone. Deep down, we all yearn for closeness, companionship, and the comfort of belonging. 4. Fight The Stigma Of Loneliness Embracing loneliness begins with confronting the stigma that surrounds it. It means reminding ourselves—and each other—that feeling lonely is a natural part of being human. When we accept this truth and integrate it into our thinking, we can begin to shift how we approach loneliness, both personally and collectively. People may feel less ashamed to speak openly and less afraid of being judged for their experiences. Ultimately, it's about being present with our reality, acknowledging our feelings without shame, and seeking out safe spaces where we can share our stories and be heard. Volunteers sitting outdoors wearing warm casual clothing on a sunny cold winters day. They are ... More resting and having a tea break from working on a community farm, looking after crops and performing other sustainable and environmentally friendly tasks. They are laughing and talking together, drinking hot drinks. Chronic or lifelong loneliness is no small matter. It can take a profound toll on both emotional and physical health. And for many, progress may come slowly—if at all—depending on their circumstances. But any progress is still meaningful, even if that progress is learning to sit with loneliness, to understand it, and to embrace it gently. As Nouwen put it: 'The question is whether we let our aloneness become loneliness, or whether we allow it to lead us into solitude. Loneliness is painful; solitude is peaceful. [...] It requires conscious choices about whom to be with, what to study, how to pray (or meditate), and when to ask for counsel.' His words remind us that by facing our loneliness, we can transform it into solitude—a peaceful space where we rediscover intimacy with ourselves and forge more authentic connections with others. Embracing loneliness (rather than fearing it) doesn't mean staying in the same place emotionally or in society. It's about accepting ourselves, practicing self-compassion, and finding hope in challenging situations. At the very least, it may help us discover new ways of empathizing and relating to each other.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store