Kyowa Hakko USA, Inc. is the North American sales office for KYOWA HAKKO BIO CO., LTD, which is based in Japan. As an international health ingredients manufacturer and a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and food products, Kyowa is a pioneer in the development and application of fermentation technology and maintains an ongoing commitment to research, developing innovative new products and quality management.
Maria Stanieich is the senior marketing manager at Kyowa Hakko USA where she is responsible for marketing the company’s line of branded ingredients. Previously she worked with iCAD, a global leader in advanced breast cancer detection, and Designs for Health, a trusted source of dietary supplements for health care practitioners. Stanieich holds a BSBA degree in finance and marketing from Suffolk University and has 10-plus years of marketing experience in new product launches, digital marketing campaigns and spearheading national events to generate nationwide publicity.
NIE: Kyowa launched the “Your Brain Health, Your Way” educational campaign in 2024. What was the motivation behind the campaign?
Stanieich: Brain health and healthy aging are concerns for everyone, regardless of age, and [the ingredient] Cognizin resonates with individuals at different stages of life. This was a motivating factor for our educational campaign. Whether it’s addressing the concerns of young professionals looking to optimize cognitive performance or older adults focused on maintaining mental clarity and memory, Cognizin relates directly to human needs. Over the past two decades, Cognizin has emerged as a leading force in the world of cognitive health. The brain is the epicenter of experiences, including memories, and attention to focus on important tasks, Nurturing the brain isn’t just about delaying cognitive decline or aging—it’s about embracing life to the fullest. A healthy brain enables meaningful activities, relationships and passions to enjoy life’s pleasures.
NIE: What is the value of a branded ingredient?
Stanieich: As a pioneer in the industry, Kyowa’s ingredients, like Cognizin, are high quality, pure and efficacious, and we have been studying its benefits for decades. We are working closely with our customers to understand the valuable areas of making claims supported by science and are continuing to invest in our science in 2025. When an ingredient like Cognizin has been around for as long as it has, it gives the opportunity for continuous testing and retesting to ensure we fully understand and support the function-specific claims we make about the ingredient. Cognizin is the only citicoline studied in healthy adults and adolescents.
Cognizin was recently granted a U.S. patent* for its ability to enhance cognitive performance, specifically by improving visual attention. This patent solidifies Cognizin’s position as the only citicoline on the market capable of making such a claim. Product manufacturers in the food, beverage and dietary supplement industries can now include citicoline in their formulations with more confidence than ever before. This patent allows manufacturers to reach new consumers knowing that their products can make strong, research-backed claims related to cognitive performance. Cognizin’s efficacy ensures consumers receive the cognitive benefits claimed on product labels, making it the gold standard for citicoline ingredients.
Furthermore, citicoline is more than a choline source. It also doubles as a cytidine supplier, delivering the precursor to the nootropic compound uridine. Choline and acetylcholine levels are often viewed as reliable biomarkers of long-term cognitive health. Tested in human clinical trials and developed using a patented fermentation process, Cognizin is a pure, allergen-free GRAS (generally recognized as safe) ingredient that’s stable and effective.
When it comes to cognitive health, and performance-based functions in particular, consumers put more trust in known ingredient brands. The brand name can be an indicator of safety, effectiveness and science-backed claims. By positioning ourselves as a trusted source of information, we have fostered a deeper connection with our audience and established credibility within the industry.
NIE: What are some of Kyowa’s sustainability efforts?
Stanieich: Kyowa Hakko was the first to develop an industrial fermentation process to produce amino acids, and Cognizin is created by this innovative process. Kyowa Hakko is committed to addressing environmental and social issues through advanced biochemical technologies, aiming for better health, well-being, and a sustainable society. As part of Kirin Holdings, Kyowa has launched several environmental initiatives to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, reduce water consumption and contamination and preserve biological resources.
Kyowa combats climate change by continuously reducing GHG emissions, aligning with Kirin Group’s Environmental Vision 2050. Energy-saving measures, like installing high-efficiency boilers at the U.S. manufacturing facility, reduced annual natural gas consumption by approximately 8 percent. Kyowa also plans to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2040, introducing Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) and leasing land for solar power generation.
Water sustainability is key at Kyowa, which uses water in producing amino acids and other organic compounds. Conservation initiatives, including water-saving equipment and recycling systems, have reduced water usage by 51.7 percent since 2015. Kyowa also surpasses regional wastewater standards and repurposes excess sludge for beneficial applications.
In preserving biological resources, Kyowa aims for 100 percent utilization of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified or recycled paper for packaging by 2030. Four out of five sites have already achieved this milestone.
