Lonza Capsugel celebrates 25 years of its category-defining joint health solution: UC-II® undenatured type II collagen

•      Over the last 25 years, UC‑II^® undenatured type II collagen has redefined the joint health category since its introduction to the market

•      Backed by clinical evidence and over 20 studies in humans and animals, UC‑II^® undenatured type II collagen stands out for its unique mechanism of action, low effective dose, and proven mobility and joint flexibility benefits

•      UC‑II^® undenatured type II collagen continues to drive innovation and global expansion across new formats and applications, including the fast‑growing companion animal segment

Greenwood, SC, United States of America, 16 July 2026 – Lonza Capsugel is celebrating 25 years of commercial availability and nutraceutical ingredient leadership with its UC-II^® undenatured type II collagen. Reinforced by continuous advancements in science, Lonza Capsugel’s clinically proven joint health ingredient has defined the category for human nutrition and broader applications, including the expanding companion animal market.

“For a quarter of a century, UC‑II^® undenatured type II collagen has set the standard for joint health innovation,” Randy Flick, Director, UC-II^® & Ingredients Operations, Lonza Capsugel comments. “In a category often defined by large doses and a range of ingredients, UC-II^® undenatured type II collagen’s low effective dose differentiates it when compared to hydrolyzed collagen, or glucosamine and chondroitin.”

Since its launch in 2001 by InterHealth Nutraceuticals (now part of Lonza Capsugel), the ingredient has remained the most researched brand of undenatured type II collagen on the market*, supported by more than 20 studies, including 11 human clinical trials.

At the heart of UC-II^® undenatured type II collagen is its unique mechanism of action. It helps support the body’s natural cartilage repair process and promote the building of new cartilage.**^{1 2 3} The results from clinical trials reveal that a low daily dose of 40 mg UC-II^® undenatured type II collagen can support joint health and improve flexibility and mobility in healthy, active adults as young as 20 years old. ^{4 5 6}

The company's patented manufacturing process and proprietary testing method are also central to the success of the ingredient, underpinning its consistently high quality. This commitment is further reflected in Lonza Capsugel’s continued investment in its growth, including moving production to its state-of-the-art facility in Greenwood, South Carolina, reinforcing its readiness to support increasing global demand through its expanded manufacturing capacity.

Frank Romanski, Vice President, Regional Business Unit - Americas, Lonza Capsugel comments, “The category leadership of UC-II^® undenatured type II collagen is built on a proven foundation of peer-reviewed research and strategic industry partnerships. Looking ahead, we are committed to advancing joint health science and expanding our pipeline of clinically supported ingredients. Armed with proprietary consumer insights, and a litany of scientific evidence, we enable nutraceutical brands to stay one step ahead in this fast-moving market.”

For more information on UC-II undenatured type II collagen, please visit UC-II® Undenatured Type II Collagen for Supplements | Lonza or Contact Us | Lonza

*As of January 2026.
**Animal studies suggest that the likely mechanism of action is that it promotes normal inflammatory response while helping to support cartilage regeneration.

Lonza Capsugel Contact Details
Anne Holderbach
Director, Strategic Marketing
Tel +33 76 267 9876

For Media Inquiries: media.capsugel@lonza.com

Disclaimer

Certain matters discussed in this media advisory may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and estimates of Lonza Group Ltd, although Lonza Group Ltd can give no assurance that these expectations and estimates will be achieved. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty and are qualified in their entirety. The actual results may differ materially in the future from the forward-looking statements included in this news release due to various factors. Furthermore, except as otherwise required by law, Lonza Group Ltd disclaims any intention or obligation to update the statements contained in this media advisory.

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¹ Pan, P., et al. (2024). Undenatured type II collagen protects against collagen-induced arthritis by restoring gut-joint homeostasis and immunity. Commun. Biol, 7(1), 804.
² Bagi et al. (2017). Oral administration of undenatured native chicken type II collage (UC-II®) diminished deterioration of articular cartilage in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthr. Cartil., 25(12), 2080-2090.
³ Bagchi, D., et al. (2002). Effects of orally administered undenatured type II collagen against arthritic inflammatory diseases: a mechanistic exploration. J. Clin. Pharmacol. Res., 22(3-4), 101–110.
⁴ Schön et al. (2022). UC-II® undenatured type II collagen for knee joint flexibility: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. J Integr Complement Med, 28(6), 540–548.
⁵ Knaub et al. (2022). UC-II® undenatured type II collagen reduces knee joint discomfort and improves mobility in healthy subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. J Clin Trials. 12(1):1000492.
⁶ Lugo et al. (2013). Undenatured type II collagen for joint support: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 10, 48.