This week, Queenstown plays host to over one thousand researchers and scientists at Queenstown Research Week, New
Zealand’s biggest annual scientific gathering and Comvita Limited was proud to co-sponsor the first Honey Research symposium at the Kai mō Aotearoa (Food Science) Satellite alongside
the High Value Nutrition (HVN) National Science Challenge. Associate Professor Troy Merry, Comvita’s Head of Research,
co-hosted a series of seven talks with Prof. Richard Mithen (HVN and Liggins Institute).
At this years event, Comvita and its research collaborators were excited to share new ground breaking research into the
potential health benefits of LepteridineTM and Mānuka Honey and the biodiversity benefits of Comvita’s Mānuka planting
programme:
LepteridineTM: Professor Kerry Loomes (University of Auckland) outlined new research showing that Comvita LepteridineTM, a drug-like
compound found uniquely in Mānuka honey, can inhibit MMP-9, a key enzyme known to be implicated in the formation of
gastric ulcers and inflammatory bowel diseases. This research has led to Comvita patenting novel formulations of Mānuka
honey for the treatment of digestive disorders that are now undergoing Clinical Research. Professor Nicole Roy
(University of Otago and HVN Digestive Health Science Theme Leader) outlined the $1.4M Soothe Clinical Trial, into the
effectiveness of LepteridineTM Mānuka honey treatment in people with functional dyspepsia, a common digestive disorder
with limited treatment options. Results of the trial, expected in 2024, will enable Comvita to launch new, proprietary,
LepteridineTM Mānuka Honey products to millions of people worldwide looking for an effective natural treatment, proven
by science to support their digestive health.
Antimicrobial Resistance: Dr Jonathan Cox, from Aston University in the UK, presented new scientific research showing that Mānuka honey can kill
antimicrobial resistant bacteria and improve the efficacy and safety of existing antibiotics. Comvita is supporting this
new research as it may enable it to deliver new, more effective, treatments to help in the global fight against the
increasing threat of antibiotic resistant infections.
Biodiversity: Finally, Callaghan Innovation Career Grant recipient, Georgia Woodall, a Research Scientist at Comvita, shared her
masters’ thesis work showing that Mānuka forest planting improves the biodiversity and water quality compared to pasture
land. This important work is the first to scientifically show the ecological benefit of Comvita’s Mānuka forest
programme impact on the environments that we work in.
“The high value of the Mānuka honey category was built on seminal research into its potent antibacterial activity and
remarkable wound healing properties published nearly 3 decades ago.” Assoc. Prof Merry said. “Comvita understands the
value of science and nature working together in Harmony, this is why we invest more than any other company in our
industry in science. We are excited to be leading the next wave of transformational research on Mānuka honey that will
unlock even greater value.” says Associate Professor Troy Merry.
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to share some of our exciting new research at Queenstown Research Week” Comvita
Chief Science Officer, Dr Jackie Evans says, “We are particularly excited to be undertaking Clinical Research looking at
how Comvita’s LepteridineTM Mānuka honey can improve digestive health and look forward to sharing the results early next
year.
“At Comvita, we are applying leading science and collaborating with the best researchers from around the world to
understand and deliver the true potential of Mānuka honey to help heal and protect the world. When it comes to the
science of Mānuka, only nature knows more.”