Phileo unveils first animal-free chondroitin solution for equine joint health

FRANCE – In a significant leap forward for equine wellness, Phileo by Lesaffre has introduced Safchondro®, the first-ever animal-free chondroitin sulfate developed specifically to support joint health and mobility in horses. 

This innovative product promises to set a new safety, purity, and sustainability standard, offering a compelling alternative to traditional, animal-derived supplements.

The global animal nutrition leader presents Safchondro as an ideal solution for horse owners and equine professionals seeking a science-backed product that addresses growing concerns about sustainability and animal welfare. 

Produced through precision fermentation using a proprietary, non-GMO microbial strain, Safchondro® is designed to provide consistent quality, enhanced safety, and superior efficacy.

“Safchondro represents a significant advancement in the field of joint health supplements for horses,” said Rodolphe Rabot, Global Species Manager Pet & Equine at Phileo. 

“By leveraging our expertise in microbial science and biotechnology at Lesaffre’s facilities, we’ve created a chondroitin solution that is purer, more efficient, and completely animal-free – addressing the key limitations of traditional products.”

Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring compound critical for maintaining cartilage structure and joint flexibility, especially in horses involved in regular physical activity. 

Traditional sources have long relied on animal or marine origins, raising concerns about contaminants, inconsistent quality, and environmental impact. 

Phileo’s Safchondro tackles these issues head-on with a manufacturing process that ensures high purity, at 99.5%, and a low molecular weight of under 9 kDa, which enhances gut absorption and leads to higher levels of chondroitin in the bloodstream just hours after ingestion.

Another standout feature is the product’s targeted sulfation process, which ensures that more than 75% of the chondroitin is in the C6 active form, closely mimicking the composition of natural synovial fluid in horse joints. 

This increases biological activity and helps replenish declining C6 levels in ageing or osteoarthritic horses.

According to Phileo, Safchondro offers a reliable and forward-looking solution for equine feed and supplement manufacturers who need ingredients that satisfy both performance demands and ethical considerations. 

The company highlights the fact that, while safety has always been a priority, today’s horse owners and industry stakeholders increasingly value sustainability and traceability in the health solutions they choose.

“Animal-derived source materials have been used for many years despite elevated risks of adulteration, inconsistency, and often reduced bioavailability,” the company said in a statement. “Advancements in biotechnologies allow horse owners to choose materials that both increase efficacy and reduce risks.”

Safchondro® is available in 5-kilogram and 25-kilogram vacuum-sealed packages and has a shelf life of three years in its original packaging. 

With this launch, Phileo aims to offer a cutting-edge, sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for clean-label, animal-free ingredients in equine joint health products. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.