Ateronon

Ateronon is a neutraceutical made from the molecule lactolycopene, which is being developed as a treatment for heart disease.

Lactolycopene is a patented compound made up of the red lycopene pigment which occurs in tomatoes, and a whey protein discovered by the food giant Nestle, to improve the bioavailability of lycopene.

Lycopene which is a carotenoid, is a potent antioxidant with a number of potential health benefits. In particular, it is believed to halt the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, widely considered to be a key process in the development of atherosclerosis, or clogging of the arteries.

Several studies have indicated that increased intake of dietary lycopene and raised blood lycopene levels, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

There is also a suggestion it may reduce the risk of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and metabolic syndrome. It has also been associated with protection against some forms of cancer, particularly prostate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer and improvements in skin texture. Lycopene is not always readily absorbed by the human body. For example, take-up appears better from cooked than from raw tomatoes.

History
The advent of lactolycopene has given Nestle a patentable form of an existing nutrient. It has led to a collaboration with L’Oreal, and the launch of Inneov, Nestle’s first venture into dietary supplements.

Meanwhile, evidence of the bioavailability of Ateronon has aroused growing interest from cardiology researchers. One daily tablet of Ateronon provides more bioavailable lycopene than a litre of tomato juice or 100g of tomato paste.

Ateronon was developed by Cambridge Theranostics Ltd (CTL) and launched in 2009 as an over-the-counter food supplement for people at risk of heart disease.

In 2012, it was purchased by a new company Cam Nutra, which has taken over ongoing clinical trials to demonstrate its efficacy.