Building the UK’s First Dedicated Liposomal Supplement Manufacturer

Detoxpeople, a specialist distributor of high-quality nutritional supplements based in Chelmsford, Essex, had built a strong market presence through its liposomal brand Lipolife. However, the company faced growing challenges due to reliance on overseas contract manufacturing. Limited control over quality, formulation precision, and product development slowed innovation and restricted product range.

Shortcomings such as formulation instability, restricted taste profiles, limited SKUs and the presence of alcohol in liquid supplements also prevented access to key global markets. Without in-house technical capability or scalable R&D, innovation was constrained and growth potential remained untapped.

To address this, the company established a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Anglia Ruskin University to build UK-based, science-led manufacturing capability and embed advanced pharmaceutical expertise.

The strategic objective was to transform Detoxpeople from a distributor into an innovation-driven manufacturer by:

• Establishing full in-house liposomal manufacturing aligned to ISO 22000 and GMP standards.
• Developing alcohol-free and dry liposomal formulations to meet international regulatory and consumer needs.
• Creating long-term R&D capacity through new laboratories, scientific expertise, and scalable production technologies.

This mission aligned with broader market needs: rapidly rising demand for high-quality, science-validated supplements; consumer preference for shelf-stable and alcohol-free formulations; and a post-COVID emphasis on UK-based manufacturing resilience.

The partnership delivered transformational results far beyond initial objectives. The most significant achievement was the creation of GMPriority Pharma — the UK’s first dedicated manufacturer of liposomal supplements, equipped with advanced R&D labs, cleanrooms, and full-scale dry liposome capability.

The company’s portfolio expanded from 20 SKUs to more than 180, driven by new alcohol-free, freeze-dried, and advanced liposomal formulations. Quality, stability, and formulation precision improved substantially, enabling faster product development and improved consumer accessibility.

Financial growth accelerated, with Detoxpeople increasing turnover to £6 million and achieving a 35% pre-tax profit margin. GMPriority Pharma contributed a further £4.5 million and secured £3 million in infrastructure investment. Staff numbers grew from 9 to 43, including new scientific roles supported by a team of PhD and MSc specialists.

International expansion increased dramatically: the business now exports to 23 markets and has secured exclusive contracts totalling more than £13 million, including major deals with Elle Sera, NAD+ at Home, and Equiceutica. New white-label partnerships with brands such as Joe & The Juice and Supplme have further expanded access into sports, wellness, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Lipolife products — now cited in more than 50 peer-reviewed publications — have become a recognised benchmark for liposomal research and product quality.

This KTP has reshaped the company’s strategic direction, embedding innovation capability, scientific excellence, and advanced manufacturing within the business. The shift from overseas outsourcing to UK-based production has strengthened resilience, improved quality control, and accelerated product development.

GMPriority Pharma has established itself as a leader in next-generation nutraceutical formulation, pioneering technologies such as freeze-dried liposomal powders and unique-dose delivery systems. These innovations have opened new markets, reduced environmental impact through shelf-stable formats, and increased global competitiveness.

For ARU, the project generated significant research impact through the translation of pharmaceutical nanotechnology into commercial products, strengthened industry partnerships, and created teaching materials and publications. It also informed future research directions and contributed to a strong potential REF impact case.

The Associate, Dr Sahrish Rehmani, achieved substantial professional development, gaining leadership, regulatory, and scientific expertise, co-authoring publications, and progressing into a senior role as Principal Scientist and Regulatory Lead at GMPriority Pharma.