Amway, the global leader in direct selling, has announced the expansion of its collaboration with South Korean firm HEM Pharma, marking a milestone in a decade of joint research (since 2016) in the field of the microbiome.
This alliance will strengthen the development of technologies and services based on gut health for the more than 100 markets in which Amway operates, including new expansions in Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and the United States.
Together, they have built one of the largest gut microbiome databases in the world, with over 90,000 participants in South Korea. This repository has generated valuable insights to drive innovations in personalized health, such as probiotics tailored to individual needs related to immunity, weight management and brain health.
Additionally, HEM Pharma contributes its PMAS platform (Personalized Pharmaceutical Meta-Analytical Screening), a pioneering tool for diagnosing and treating microbiome dysfunctions, accelerating the development of therapeutic solutions.
Executive Statements
Kristi Pelc, Head of R&D at Amway, stated: “As part of our vision to help people live better lives, we are committed to discovering new insights that inspire innovative lifestyle solutions, products and services, empowering Amway Business Owners (ABOs) and enhancing the global customer experience.”
Meanwhile, Yosep Ji, CEO of HEM Pharma, emphasized the global reach of the alliance:
“This milestone lays the foundation for our worldwide expansion. With one of the largest microbiome databases, we will accelerate the development of novel probiotics and personalized solutions.”
Impact on the Amway Ecosystem
The expansion of this collaboration, Amway’s first focused on the microbiome, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its innovation ecosystem in key areas:
- Advanced Nutrition: Development of personalized supplements using gut microbiome analysis.
- Holistic Health: Extension of applications to skin, oral and environmental health (air/water).
- Tools for ABOs: Amway Business Owners will have access to exclusive technologies for offering personalized scientific guidance, strengthening wellness communities.
Vision for the Future
The alliance will also explore synergies with other scientific initiatives by Amway, such as its collaboration with the Linus Pauling Institute (USA) to study plant-based nutrients and Stanford WELL for Life, focused on healthy aging. These efforts will further establish Amway’s position as a leader in science-driven holistic wellness.
