Sumo Nutrients and URI's Pharmaceutical Development Institute Pursue Strategic Partnership Through RI Commerce Innovation Voucher Program

Advancing Rhode Island's Life Sciences Sector

Sumo Nutrients and the University of Rhode Island's Pharmaceutical Development Institute (PDI) are pleased to announce their application to the RI Commerce Innovation Voucher Program, seeking to formalize a strategic partnership that will enhance Rhode Island's position in the life sciences sector while advancing innovative functional ingredient development.

Partnership Focus

The proposed collaboration centers on the development and validation of Proteoglycan-Type II Collagen Complex, an innovative functional ingredient with applications in joint health and muscle maintenance. This partnership will leverage PDI's state-of-the-art facilities, including:

  • 1,500 square foot analytical sciences laboratory
  • Advanced method development capabilities
  • Quality control testing infrastructure
  • Specialized pharmaceutical development expertise

Expert Leadership

The project will be led by two distinguished professionals:

Dr. Jennifer Lewis, Associate Director of Analytical Development at PDI, brings over two decades of pharmaceutical industry expertise, with specific experience in:

  • Analytical method development and validation
  • Quality control processes
  • Stability testing protocols
  • Manufacturing validation

Pabel Delgado, founder of Sumo Nutrients, contributes his entrepreneurial vision and expertise in:

  • Functional ingredient development
  • Sustainable sourcing practices
  • Market development
  • Product commercialization

Economic Impact

This partnership, supported by the Innovation Voucher Program, would:

  • Strengthen Rhode Island's life sciences sector
  • Create high-skilled job opportunities
  • Enhance local manufacturing capabilities
  • Foster academic-industry collaboration
  • Support sustainable ingredient development

Looking Forward

"This partnership represents a significant opportunity to advance Rhode Island's position in the life sciences sector while developing innovative health solutions," states PDI. "The combination of PDI's analytical expertise and Sumo Nutrients' innovative approach to functional ingredients creates a powerful synergy for growth and development."

The proposed collaboration aligns with Rhode Island Commerce's focus on supporting:

  • Life sciences innovation
  • Manufacturing excellence
  • Sustainable development
  • Economic growth
  • Academic-industry partnerships

About the Partners

The Pharmaceutical Development Institute at URI's College of Pharmacy provides world-class contract development and testing services, specializing in early development through Phase-1 clinical trial materials.

Sumo Nutrients, established in January 2022, is a B2B supplier of boutique, research-validated functional ingredients, specializing in naturally-derived compounds for the food, beverage, healthcare, and beauty industries.

For more information about this partnership initiative, please contact info@sumonutrients.com.

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