Phosphagenics enters horse supplement tie-up

Drug delivery company Phosphagenics (ASX:POH) has partnered with horse feed manufacturer Equine Nutrition Australia (ENA) to develop new nutritional supplements for racehorses.

The two companies will collaborate to trial develop two supplements which use Phosphagenics' Targeted Penetration Matrix (TPM) drug delivery technology.

The first supplement will deliver the essential trace mineral selenium, and utilise TPM to attempt to deliver superior absorption of the mineral. The second will be designed to boost horses' red blood cell count to improve their stamina.

Both supplements will be designed for use during racehorses' training regimens.

Phosphagenics and ENA will trial the supplements on up to 76 horses in several Victorian farms in the second half of the year.

Phosphagenics CEO Dr Esra Ogru said she sees the collaboration as a substantial market opportunity, noting that ENA currently distributes its feed ranges to more than 3,500 stores spanning every Australian state and territory.

Selenium is believed to play a critical role in maintaining muscle and cell membrane integrity, as well as supporting immune function.

This week, the first three stockfeed products using Phosphagenics' TPM technology will also go on sale, each targeted at young racehorses.

Phosphagenics (ASX:POH) shares were trading up from $0.145 to $0.15 at Friday's close.