Alltech launches human health subsidiary but stresses that animal agriculture still core focus

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Alltech, known for its animal health and nutrition portfolio, says it is applying its more than 40 years of scientific innovation and proven nutrition expertise to human health, as it launches a new business division, Acutia.

Dr Mark Lyons, CEO of Alltech, remarked: “At a time when we are all deeply aware of the importance of our health, this launch is particularly meaningful.”

Lauren Dozier, brand storytelling strategist, Alltech, told us the company remains committed to the agriculture domain, regardless of this new venture.

“Acutia is a subsidiary of Alltech and will not impact our ongoing core focus on animal nutrition.”

She said the move into human nutrition was a natural extension of the group’s business, with it looking to directly support people in their pursuit of improved wellness.

Acutia's business and commercial functions will be centralized in Alltech’s headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Its initial line of health targeting products covering immunity, brain and digestive health, will be rolled out in phases, added the company.

Backed by research from Alltech Life Sciences, the company said Acutia was cultivated by an internal incubator. 

In 2018, Putnam Badding, nutritionist, led the project through the first cohort of Alltech’s internal incubator program, which was set up to provide a pathway to test and develop new business ideas. As Acutia continued to evolve, it was later selected for the Pearse Lyons Accelerator, and what began as a small group project grew to include, among others, Becky Timmons, chief product officer at Alltech, along with a team of advisors. "After several iterations, revised business plans and re-namings, Acutia emerged." 

Dr Lyons is set to work closely with the new division.