Bioactive Pharma

What Bioactive Pharma does

Bioactive Pharma Limited is a UK-based privately held biotech holding company, founded circa 2019-2020 and headquartered in Chichester, United Kingdom. The group develops, manufactures, and distributes refined propolis extracts and finished consumer therapeutic products built around a proprietary ethanolic cold filtration extraction process originally perfected over 35 years by Dr Zenon Sosnowski (deceased), with technical continuity maintained by Genowefa Sosnowski. Crude propolis is sourced exclusively from Manitoban bee farmers and refined at the group's purpose-built cGMP-certified facility operated by subsidiary ACF Biotech Canada Inc in Winnipeg, Manitoba, yielding three grades of extract — Propolis ACF (highest potency, positioned as a paraben substitute), Propolis ComplexB, and Propolis Complex C — with characteristic dihydrochalcones derived from Manitoba poplar bud exudates.

The company monetizes through two principal channels. First, a B2B active ingredient business selling refined propolis extracts to cosmetics, pharmaceutical, natural health, and medical device manufacturers as antimicrobial preservatives and paraben alternatives. Second, a B2C finished-product business under two main consumer brands — Herstat (cold sore and genital herpes treatments targeting HSV-1 and HSV-2) and Dr Sosnowski (propolis cough syrup, throat spray, drops, and superfood honey) — distributed through pharmacy chains, retail grocery chains, and direct-to-consumer websites across nine country territories (UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) via country-specific distributors managed by subsidiary Lisoma International Ltd and dedicated DTC operations DTC Healthcare Ltd and Herstat (USA) Inc.

The group has approximately 6 key team members across sales, refinery management, technical consulting, logistics, and production, and is preparing a clinical phase project to develop and trial new natural health products building on existing propolis research. Strategic intent is to expand Herstat distribution from 6 to 12 country territories and broaden application of propolis extracts into wound care, MRSA-infected wound treatment, and post-operative antimicrobial bandaging.

Name

Bioactive Pharma

Legal name

BioActive Pharma Ltd

Website

https://bioactivepharma.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Bioactive Pharma is a UK-based biotech group that develops, manufactures, and distributes refined propolis extracts and finished therapeutic products under the Herstat and Dr Sosnowski brands, serving herpes patients, wound care patients, and cosmetics and pharmaceutical manufacturers across nine country territories.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Ingredients

NAICS

Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411), Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)

SIC

Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)

akta.pro primary industry

Bio-based Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals & Specialty Bioactives (EUAAAIAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Propolis & Bee Pollen Harvesting/Processing (AFAEAHAD), Natural Antimicrobials & Clean-Label Preservatives (Plant Extracts, Essential Oils, Fermented Extracts) (AFAJAFAF), Herbal & Botanical Supplements (CRADAGAD), Infectious Disease & Antimicrobials Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAG), Condition-Specific Bioactives (Glucosamine/Chondroitin, Plant Sterols, Melatonin, Lutein/Zeaxanthin) (AFAJAKAK)

Keywords

• Propolis extracts
• Antimicrobial preservatives
• Herpes treatments
• Cosmetic active ingredients
• Natural therapeutics

Headquarters

HQ city

Chichester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Active Ingredient Sales: Sale of refined propolis extracts (Propolis ACF, Propolis ComplexB, Propolis Complex C) as active ingredients to cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and natural health product manufacturers for use as antimicrobial preservatives, skin protectants, and alternatives to parabens.
2. Finished Consumer Products: Sale of branded finished products including Herstat cold sore treatments and Dr Sosnowski therapeutic products through B2C channels (pharmacy chains, retail, direct-to-consumer websites) and B2B wholesale to distributors in multiple country territories.
3. Distribution Revenue: Revenue from distribution agreements controlled by Lisoma International Ltd for country distributors in UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Bioactive Pharma is a UK-based biotech group that researches, develops, and manufactures purified propolis extracts derived from Manitoban bee propolis using a proprietary ethanolic cold filtration process. It sells three grades of refined propolis extract (Propolis ACF, Propolis ComplexB, Propolis Complex C) as active ingredients and antimicrobial preservatives to cosmetics and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and distributes finished consumer therapeutic products under the Herstat (herpes/cold sore treatment) and Dr Sosnowski (cough, throat, wound care, superfood honey) brands across multiple country territories.

Product overview

Bioactive Pharma is a UK-based biotech group dedicated to the research, development, and manufacture of natural antivirals, preservatives, sterilants, and antimicrobials derived from purified propolis extracts. The company's product portfolio centers on two principal consumer therapeutic brands: Herstat® (focused on herpes treatment including cold sores and genital herpes) and Dr Sosnowski™ (therapeutic propolis-based products including cough syrup, throat spray, drops, and superfood honey). The company also manufactures and sells three grades of refined propolis extract (Propolis ACF®, Propolis ComplexB®, and Propolis Complex C®) to cGMP standards for use in cosmetics, pharmaceutical applications, and natural health products. Products are distributed across multiple territories including UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand through various distribution partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Herstat: Principal brand positioned exclusively within the herpes space, representing a range of products designed to treat and/or mitigate symptoms and effects of herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and HSV-2. Products include cold sore treatments and genital herpes treatments sold in six country territories worldwide.
• Dr. Sosnowski
• Propolis ACF
• Propolis ComplexB
• Propolis Complex C

Products and services

• Herstat® Cold Sore Treatment Topical propolis-based cold sore treatment for herpes simplex virus HSV-1, sold under the Herstat brand in multiple country territories and partner-distributed brand names.
• Herstat® GST Genital Sore Treatment Topical propolis-based treatment for genital herpes (HSV-2) symptoms, sold under the Herstat brand.
• Herstat® Moisturizing LipCare Stick Propolis-based moisturising lip care stick for use between cold sore outbreaks, sold under the Herstat brand.
• Dr Sosnowski Propolis Cough Syrup Propolis-based cough syrup for throat and respiratory support, sold under the Dr Sosnowski brand.
• Dr Sosnowski Propolis Drops Propolis drops for internal use, sold under the Dr Sosnowski brand.
• Dr Sosnowski Throat Spray Propolis throat spray for oral health, sold under the Dr Sosnowski brand.
• Dr Sosnowski Superfood Honey Propolis-enriched superfood honey, sold under the Dr Sosnowski brand.
• Propolis ACF® Highest grade of refined propolis extract with particularly potent antimicrobial properties, produced to cGMP standards. Sold as an active ingredient and antimicrobial preservative or sterilant, and as a substitute to parabens in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and natural health products.
• Propolis ComplexB® Grade of refined propolis extract produced to cGMP standards for use in cosmetics, skin protectants, natural health products, and medical device applications.
• Propolis Complex C® Grade of refined propolis extract produced to cGMP standards for use in cosmetics, skin protectants, natural health products, and medical device applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Markedly improved outcomes compared with placebo and other treatments in clinical trials relating to HSV-1 and HSV-2
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ACF Biotech Canada InccoreOthersCanadian-based subsidiary that owns and operates the purpose-built propolis refinery in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Carries out complex extraction process to produce refined propolis extracts from crude Manitoban bee propolis under cGMP standards. Also conducts research into wound healing treatments and antimicrobial protective bandaging.
• Lisoma International LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based global distribution management business that controls and administers country distribution agreements for products containing Bioactive Pharma technology and ingredients in multiple country territories.
• DTC Healthcare LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based cosmetics and pharmaceutical distribution business that distributes Herstat products direct to consumer in the UK market through herstat.co.uk.
• Herstat (USA) InccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS-based cosmetics and pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution business that manages marketing and distribution of Dr. Sosnowski and Herstat products in wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer channels in the USA.
• A. Vogel LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based distributor of Bio-Propolis Lip Care Ointment in the United Kingdom through pharmacy and retail channels.
• A. Vogel Ireland LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIrish distributor of Bio-Propolis Lip Care Ointment in the Republic of Ireland.
• Orifarm Generics A/SminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDanish pharmaceutical distributor distributing Prolip salve and Prolip Care products in Norway.
• Medasta Medical/Vet ABminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwedish distributor of Herstat LipCare Ointment in Sweden.
• Ars Pharmae d.o.o.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSlovenian distributor of Herstat LipCare Ointment and LipCare Stick in Slovenia.
• Bausch + Lomb CorporationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal eye health company distributing Coldsore-FX product (containing Bioactive Pharma propolis technology) in Canada through pharmacy and retail channels.
• Mentholatum Australasia Pty LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralasian distributor of Propovir ointment in Australia.
• eNZpharma LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew Zealand distributor of Herstat LipCare Ointment and LipCare Stick in New Zealand.
• Manitoban bee farmerscoreOthersTrusted suppliers of crude propolis sourced from bee hives in Manitoba, Canada. Prop material is collected entirely sustainably at the end of each honey season from a region rich in specific poplar tree species unique to the area.
• Dr Zenon Sosnowski (deceased)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolish Associate Professor and haematologist who spent over 35 years researching bee propolis and perfected the ethanolic cold filtration extraction process. Led two clinical trials validating propolis extracts and pioneered research into MRSA infected wound treatments. His legacy continues through the Dr Sosnowski brand.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Y.S. Eco Bee Farms: US-based propolis manufacturer and bee product company producing propolis supplements, royal jelly, and bee-derived health products. Comparable as a propolis-focused supplement manufacturer with retail distribution and direct-to-consumer sales.
• Apis Flora: Brazilian propolis manufacturer producing standardized propolis extracts for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Directly comparable as a propolis ingredient supplier with global B2B and B2C distribution, competing in the same bioactive extracts category.
• Comvita: New Zealand-based natural health company specializing in bee-derived products including propolis, manuka honey, and bee-based therapeutics. Comparable as a vertically integrated bee-product company with international distribution across multiple consumer health categories.
• ApiHealth (NZ): New Zealand propolis specialist producing propolis extracts and consumer health products from New Zealand-sourced bee materials. Comparable as a regional propolis-focused manufacturer serving international consumer health markets.
• Bee Health (Nature's Aid): UK-based propolis and bee health product manufacturer producing standardized propolis extracts and supplements. Comparable as a UK-headquartered propolis supplement company serving European retail and pharmacy channels.

Emerging players

• Herb Pharm: US-based botanical extracts manufacturer producing herbal extracts and propolis tinctures for supplement and natural health markets. Comparable as a specialized botanical extraction company serving similar B2B and B2C channels.

Broad incumbents

• Nature's Way: Large US herbal and botanical supplement brand with extensive propolis product lines. Comparable as a broader herbal supplements company with propolis offerings competing in the same consumer health channels.
• NOW Foods: Large US natural products company offering standardized propolis supplements, extracts, and related bee-derived products. Comparable as a broad-spectrum supplement manufacturer with competing propolis offerings across retail channels.
• Blackmores: Major Australian natural health brand with propolis and immune health product lines, distributed across Asia-Pacific markets. Comparable as a leading Asia-Pacific supplements brand overlapping with Bioactive Pharma's Australian distribution territory.
• Church & Dwight (Abreva): Owner of Abreva, the leading OTC cold sore treatment brand in North America. Comparable as the dominant direct competitor in the cold sore treatment category where Herstat competes for shelf space and consumer mindshare.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bioactive-pharmaceuticals-limited

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bioactive Pharma