P. L. Thomas (PLT) announced today that its strategic alliance partner Laila Impex, a premier manufacturer of quality herbal products in India, has been recognized by the Government of India’s Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, winning the National Award for Outstanding In-house R&D Achievements in 2007. This prestigious award was granted to Laila for the Development & Commercialization of 5-LOXIN, a novel anti-inflammatory & anti-arthritic product.  5-LOXIN was selected as the outstanding project in the Chemical and Allied Industries category.

Paul Flowerman, president of PLT said, "Laila and PLT have developed the strongest business and friendship ties over the past 20 years. This award validates the industry-leading R&D work Laila has completed and continues to pursue, including the development of one of the top diet ingredients in the U.S., and 5-LOXIN, one of the leading branded ingredients in the joint health category.  We are very proud of their efforts.”

Rama Raju, President of Laila Impex, notes, “5-LOXIN is a unique boswellic acid composition, providing efficacy for joint health, respiratory health and digestive health by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme.  This development of an Ayurvedic herb used for millennia allows a more potent, targeted and concentrated material at a critical juncture, providing an alternative to products that inhibit COX-2 enzymes – without the negative health concerns.  Thus we can provide a cost-effective solution for people with health concerns, allowing them to return to more productive lives.”

Founded by Dr. Ganga Raju, a respected industrialist from the state of Andhra Pradesh, the company has experienced dramatic growth since its inception more than a decade and a half ago, currently employing a staff in excess of 800 people. It is a GMP manufacturer with ISO 9002 accreditation, producing over 300 standardized botanical extracts, several phytochemicals and a large number of analytical standards. 

Equally impressive is the Laila Impex R&D Center (LIRDC), a state-of-the-art research facility for nutraceutical and drug discovery based on natural compounds.  LIRDC has affiliations with Indian and U.S. Universities, conducts doctoral programs, and provides basic research, Pre-Clinical and Clinical Research with a staff of more than 100 scientific personnel.

Laila Impex has also built and substantially funded a major hospital in their region of Andhra Pradesh as well as an affiliated medical school. Pharmacists at the college of pharmacy in Hyderabad, India, also funded by Laila Impex, carry out analytical and pharmacological research.

Currently PLT markets Laila's products and technologies. This alliance formally recognizes both companies' close existing cooperation and the mutual commitment to an intensified and united approach to advanced ingredient discoveries.

About PL Thomas

PL Thomas, a New Jersey-based ingredient supplier, offers fifty years of innovation in securing reliable, high quality raw materials for the food, functional food and beverage, dietary supplement and nutricosmetics. PLT is a one-stop resource for application solutions, current industry information and technical service, and specializes in water-soluble gums and clinically-supported botanical extracts. 

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