Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA), as a derivative of natural bile acid, has become the focus of the global health industry in recent years due to its significant liver protection and neuroprotection effects. In 2023, the global TUDCA market size has exceeded US$350 million, and is expected to reach US$820 million in 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.8%. The European and American markets are dominated by the high penetration rate of health products. The Asia-Pacific region (especially China and India) leads the world in growth rate as the incidence of chronic liver disease increases and health consumption upgrades.
Besides, according to the patents held by Besty Pharmaceuticals, TUDCA can significantly improve the pathological process of various neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and reducing oxidative stress. In addition, the in-depth application of AI technology in drug research and development (such as target screening and clinical trial optimization) has accelerated the clinical transformation efficiency of TUDCA, and the relevant market size is expected to exceed US$1 billion in the next five years.
●Preparation method: from traditional extraction to green synthesis
1. Traditional Extraction Method: ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is separated from bear bile, and then combined with taurine to produce TUDCA. Limited by animal protection ethics and production capacity, the cost is high and it is gradually replaced.
2. Chemical Synthesis Method: Using bile acid as raw material, UDCA is synthesized through oxidation, reduction, condensation and other steps, and then taurized. The purity can reach more than 99%, but the process is complicated and the pollution is large.
3. Microbial Fermentation Method (Frontier Direction): Using genetically engineered Escherichia coli or yeast to directly synthesize TUDCA, it has the advantages of green, low-carbon and large mass production potential. In 2023, BioCore Company in South Korea has achieved pilot production, reducing costs by 40%.
4. Enzyme Catalysis Method: Immobilized enzyme technology can efficiently catalyze the combination of UDCA and taurine, and the reaction conditions are mild, which is suitable for pharmaceutical-grade production.
●Benefits: Multi-target mechanism of action, covering a wide range of disease areas
The core mechanism of TUDCA is to stabilize the cell membrane, inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis signaling pathways, and has been clinically verified in many cases:
1. Hepatobiliary Diseases:
⩥ Treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and reduction of ALT/AST indicators.
⩥ Relieve cholestasis and promote bilirubin metabolism. The FDA has approved its orphan drug status.
2. Neuroprotection:
⩥ Improve neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. A 2022 Nature study showed that it can reduce β-amyloid deposition.
⩥ Showed the potential to delay the course of disease in clinical trials of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
3. Metabolism And Anti-Aging:
⩥ Regulate insulin sensitivity and assist in diabetes management.
⩥ Activate mitochondrial function, extend the lifespan of model organisms, and become a candidate ingredient for "longevity drugs".
4. Ophthalmic Applications:
⩥ It has a protective effect on retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma, and the related eye drops have entered Phase III clinical trials.
●TUDCA application areas: from medicine to functional food
1. Medical Field:
⩥ Prescription drugs: TUDCA used for PBC, gallstone dissolution (such as European Taurursodiol preparations).
⩥ Orphan drug development: combination therapy for rare diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
2. Health Products:
⩥ Liver protection tablets, hangover products: TUDCA can be use with silymarin and curcumin to enhance the effect.
⩥ Anti-aging capsules: compounded with NMN and resveratrol, focusing on mitochondrial repair.
3. Sports Nutrition:
⩥ Reducing muscle inflammation after high-intensity training, used as a recovery supplement by professional athletes.
4. Pet Health:
⩥ Treatment and health care of liver and gallbladder diseases in dogs and cats, related products in the US market will grow by 35% in 2023.
With the increasing aging population and the high incidence of metabolic diseases, the value of TUDCA in the fields of medicine, health care, and anti-aging will be further released. Synthetic biology technology may promote affordable prices and open up a health market worth hundreds of billions of yuan.
●NEWGREEN Supply TUDCA Powder
Post time: Apr-15-2025
