09 Update : Medical Nutrition
Sales growth in 2009 - Medical Nutrition unfazed by the economy
Medical Nutrition sales continued on a firm upward path in 2009 despite the economic downturn, showing a rise of 11.4% for the year- nearly all driven by volume-to set the average annual gain over five years at 12.2%. Growth was evenly spread across geographic areas and product categories generally, although results were particularly strong in pediatrics and allergies, and in the core business of nutrition for the sick and elderly.
15% of world's population
Only 15% of world's population has access to medical nutrition according to the WHO.
VIH/immunity - Promising results for clinical study
In September, Danone Medical Nutrition announced promising results for a clinical trial testing the effects of its new NR100157 nutritional concept on the immune systems of HIV-positive patients. Nutricia scientists designed this concept to target the immune system and the barrier function of the gut. In 2007, they began an international clinical trial to assess the effects on several hundred patients not yet on antiretroviral therapy. After 52 weeks, CD4+T counts (T4 lymphocytes) were significantly lower for patients taking NR100157 than for those in the control group. CD4 count is an indicator of the strength of the individual's immune system, and is now the main indicator used to track HIV disease progression and decline in immune response. The trial outcomes are an important step forward for researchers at Nutricia, the global brand for Danone Medical Nutrition.
Market - Success for Fortimel Compact
In 2009, Nutricia consolidated its leading place in medical nutrition with the introduction of Fortimel Compact, a high-protein, high-energy beverage that packs the same nutritional value into 125 ml as the standard dose in 200 ml. Because many sick people have poor appetites and find it hard to finish their prescribed dosage, this first-tomarket innovation has been welcomed by healthcare professionals and patients alike. By the close of the year, rapidly accelerating sales growth in markets such as the UK and the Netherlands made Fortimel Compact the fastest ever product launch for the division. In 2010, it will gain added potential with new flavors and variants.
Healthcare - Reining in costs
Rapid innovation in medical nutrition enables Danone to offer products targeted to assist doctors specializing in diabetes, cancer, respiratory diseases and other areas of medicine. Nutritional products like Diasip and Respifor play an important role in managing disease and recovery, alongside conventional drug treatment, operative procedures and physiotherapy. Other solutions, like Ketocal for people suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy, may help patients after other treatments have failed. The advantages for both doctors and patients are better clinical outcomes and more rapid recovery. In cost-conscious healthcare systems, including medical nutrition in disease management protocols is also of value, since stronger, more active patients mean shorter treatment times and expensive hospital stays.
Prevention - Diagnosing metabolic
disorders in Turkey
A pioneer in programs to identify public health threats, Nutricia has launched an extended initiative in the Anatolia region of eastern Turkey to detect metabolic disorders early in infancy and provide access to appropriate treatment and follow-up care.
Parterships - Raising awareness of malnutrition among the elderly
Malnutrition among the elderly is a social and medical problem with increasing repercussions in all parts of the world. When an older person starts to lose weight and become less active, family caregivers and even family doctors may accept this as a normal consequence of growing old. With adequate supportive nutrition, however, elderly people can maintain independant lives for longer, and those who are sick can gain the strength to fight their condition. In many countries, Nutricia partners with care associations and charities to raise awareness of the problem. In France, for example, the Nutrimission program campaigns for better care of the estimated 450,000 malnourished seniors living at home, along with many others being looked after in institutions and hospitals.
R&D - childhood denutrition
About 5% of the world's children need special nutritional support to avoid long-term health consequences as they grow up. Within Danone, Nutricia has developed a large number of products in a range of formats, among them Infatrini, the only formula that satisfies WHO guidelines for children suffering from acute denutrition. Another example is Nutrini Low Energy Multi Fiber for children suffering from neurodisabilities.
Video of Flemming Morgan