The functional ingredients industry is experiencing a notable transformation driven by increasing regulatory scrutiny and sophisticated consumer demands. In major markets, manufacturers now face the challenge of validating their products with peer-reviewed clinical research instead of relying solely on marketing narratives. This trend is evident in both the United States and Europe, where stricter health claim standards require substantial evidence.
In the United States, the FDA is reshaping the landscape with evolving structure-function claims, affecting how ingredient suppliers present their portfolios. Similarly, European legislation places a comparable burden on manufacturers for proof of health claims. The collagen sector, often associated with commodity hydrolysates and broad wellness claims, faces structural challenges due to these changes. However, manufacturers investing in clinical validation can seize new opportunities to redefine their competitive positioning.
Sel Sanayi A.Ş. and its brand CollaSel are adapting to this transition by emphasizing clinical validation as a production standard. Their dedication is evident, with three peer-reviewed clinical publications in two years and a technical approach to bioactive peptide production that sets them apart from industry norms. A significant study published in the March 2026 issue of Biomedicines by the University of Milan’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences highlights CollaSel Tripeptide. This bioactive peptide demonstrated superior ACE and DPP-IV inhibitory activity and GLP-1 stimulation properties compared to a benchmark collagen hydrolysate. Such findings indicate potential applications in cardiometabolic health and weight management.
CollaSel’s commitment to clinical validation is further demonstrated by two studies published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. These studies focused on CollaSel Pro, a hydrolyzed collagen peptide, assessing its impact on skin elasticity, hydration, and roughness in adult females over eight weeks. They also evaluated its efficacy and safety in 160 osteoarthritis patients, finding improvements in joint pain, stiffness, and physical function.
One distinguishing factor of CollaSel Tripeptide is its smaller molecular size, weighing 300 to 500 Daltons, compared to typical collagen supplements weighing between 2,000 and 5,000 Daltons. Researchers suggest that the smaller size may enhance absorption, allowing it to pass through the intestinal wall using the body’s PepT1 transport system. This leads to the body absorbing 2.7 to 3.3 times more CollaSel Tripeptide than standard collagen products.
Selim Tezman, CEO of Sel Sanayi and CollaSel, emphasizes their commitment to clinical validation as a core operational principle. He notes that products lacking scientific validation lose their market position each year, whether in the United States, Europe, or Asia. Tezman states, “Science and clinical studies are not a marketing tool for us; they are the foundation of our production standard. Today’s consumers are more informed than ever before.”
While collagen supplements have gained popularity over the past decade, Sel Sanayi has been operating since 1961. Specializing in hydrolyzed collagen, hydrocolloids, proteins, and bioactive ingredients, the company exports 95% of its production to 45 countries, serving pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical sectors across the globe.
In recent years, Sel Sanayi has made substantial capital investments to expand its production capabilities, enhance R&D infrastructure, and develop new protein derivatives to broaden its bioactive ingredient portfolio. These efforts underscore their commitment to clinical research, achieving one of the highest R&D intensities among global manufacturers in the sector.
Tezman views the current industry shift as a long-term structural change rather than a passing trend. “An industrial philosophy grounded in high-technology production and validated by scientific evidence ultimately benefits patients, consumers, and the wider industry,” he asserts. “This is the direction we have chosen to build the business around, and we believe it is the only sustainable path for serious ingredient manufacturers.”