- Lonza Capsugel is launching UC-FLEX® collagen blend, a premium formulation for pet food that combines UC-II® undenatured type II collagen with calcium carbonate, to deliver science-backed joint health support for companion animals.
- The launch of UC-FLEX® bridges the gap between the market demand for pet food to provide functional health benefits and the scientifically validated joint health benefits of UC-II® undenatured type II collagen
- Attendees at Interzoo can also learn more about the science behind UC-II® undenatured type II collagen for pets at booth 7-247
Nuremberg, 16 April 2026 – Lonza Capsugel will be launching its new premium collagen blend for pet food applications at Interzoo 2026 in Nuremberg, 12–15 May. Visitors to booth 7-247 can explore how UC-FLEX® collagen blend helps brands stay one step ahead in the pet food market, meeting soaring demand for effective, science-backed joint health support.
Consumer research shows that more than 40% of global pet owners are interested in pet food providing functional health benefits such as joint health,i and pet food launches containing collagen rose by 34% from 2021 to 2025.ii To help brands seize this market opportunity, Lonza Capsugel is launching its UC-FLEX® collagen blend formulated specifically for companion animals*, combining UC‑II® undenatured type II collagen with calcium carbonate** to deliver effective, science‑backed support in pet food applications.
“This expansion of our UC-II® Pets portfolio bridges a crucial gap between the scientifically validated joint health benefits of UC-II® undenatured type II collagen and the specific formulation and processing demands of pet food,” comments Dr. Zain Saiyed, Global Director, Research & Product Development (Dosage Form Solutions & Ingredients) at Lonza Capsugel. “UC-FLEX® collagen blend leverages UC-II® science in a form optimized for pet food formulation, enabling brands to deliver premium, trusted joint health support”
Attendees can also learn more about the science behind Lonza Capsugel’s market-leading UC-II® undenatured type II collagen for pets. Backed by more than two decades of research and 10 peer-reviewed research publications in companion animals, UC-II® collagen is the most researched brand of undenatured type II collagen on the market.**** Plus, the uniquely low effective dose of just 40 mg/day and formulation flexibility of UC-II® Pets mean that it’s scientifically validated joint health support can be easily incorporated into numerous convenient applications such as treats or chews.iii,iv
Visit booth 7-247 at Interzoo 2026 or book a meeting to learn how brands can stay one step ahead with UC-FLEX® and Lonza Capsugel: Interzoo 2026
Lonza Capsugel Contact Details
Anne Holderbach
Director, Strategic Marketing
Tel +33 76 267 9876
For Media Inquiries: media@lonza.com
Disclaimer
Certain matters discussed in this media advisory may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and estimates of Lonza Group Ltd, although Lonza Group Ltd can give no assurance that these expectations and estimates will be achieved. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty and are qualified in their entirety. The actual results may differ materially in the future from the forward-looking statements included in this news release due to various factors. Furthermore, except as otherwise required by law, Lonza Group Ltd disclaims any intention or obligation to update the statements contained in this media advisory.
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i Innova Pet owners survey 2025
ii Innova Market Insights (2025). Joint Health in Pet Industries
iii Pates, et al. (2023) UC-II® undenatured type II collagen data show retention during functional food and beverage prototype processing. Data in Brief, 48, 109216.
iv Cabezas, et al. (2022). Long-term supplementation with an undenatured type-II collagen (UC-II®) formulation in dogs with degenerative joint disease: Exploratory study. Open Vet J, 12(1), 91–98.
*Lonza offers UC-II® undenatured type II collagen in multiple formats for different applications: UC-II® collagen for human dietary supplements, UC-II® Halal for human dietary supplements with Halal certification, and UC-II® Pets for pet supplement applications. Product availability and specifications may vary by region
** Calcium carbonate added as a carrier to ensure uniform distribution in pet food
***Manufacturing site is included in the TRACES list of approved non-EU establishments (ref. SC-COL-0001) for production of collagen for animal consumption
****As of January 2026