SIRIO enhances strategy for small and medium nutra innovators as Lonza’s Sara Lesina joins as GM in Europe

The global nutraceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) – appoints a new GM in Europe to drive forward a strategy of targeting small and medium brands launching novel nutraceutical formulations.

Sara Lesina joins the company as General Manager for SIRIO Europe, having previously worked at Lonza as Executive Director. Lesina’s appointment further strengthens the CDMO’s strategy to become the nutraceutical R&D hub for brands looking for agile partners with large scientific and development resources.

“I joined SIRIO because I see the tremendous resources it has – SIRIO has over 200 R&D scientists across its sites – and there are clear synergies with like-minded innovation focused customers. We anticipate significant growth in the nutra market in next few years as customers see the benefits of working with an agile CDMO partner to help launch products to market faster. The SIRIO value proposition anchored on R&D and formulation capabilities, combined with our global manufacturing footprint, positions us well to tap into this growth by launching new products for customers” commented Lesina.

The company – which also boasts a number of big brands among its global customer base – is specifically looking to nurture new partnerships with large nutrition brands across the major European markets. By leveraging the formulation and manufacturing expertise both in Germany and China, SIRIO has a depth of capabilities to offer market-relevant products across a range of dosage forms, with a particular focus on functional gummies.

Lesina, added “I envisage our growth will come as a true CDMO partner, with customers attracted by our large scientific teams to help them bring to market truly innovative and unique formulations. But this means, not only in terms of ingredients combinations, but also looking at taste, texture and delivery profiles that are increasing sought by customers. We also know sensory is an important element in driving consumers’ purchasing choices, and this is a special development strength with our products offering a superior experience.”

Prior to five years at Lonza (and Capsugel) in senior executive roles, Lesina spent six years at Cargill’s food and beverages division and is widely known across the industry for her ability to identify new market opportunities and help customers tap major growth trends.

Rui Yang, Vice President at SIRIO Pharma added: “Sara brings with her a tremendous global network and what impressed us is the clarity of purpose to establish SIRIO as the contract research and development hub for the most ambitious global brands. Across Europe there is an increasing number of companies launching new products that could reduce their time to market and/or acquisition by working with SIRIO. Sara’s remit will be to help develop locally relevant formulatory options, working as the European conduit to access SIRIO’s global R&D resources.”

The company will be exhibiting at CPHI Frankfurt this November (1-3), with a focus on immune-boosting and sleep & stress management formulations.