On 6 September 2021, Jatcorp Limited announced that Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) had been commissioned to undertake a research project (Project) to undertake clinical trials to investigate the ability of JAT's supplementary food formulas, Jinvigorate Platinum and Moroka Platinum, to promote enhanced immune function and antiviral activity. Subsequently, RMIT conducted a preliminary scientific research study to determine potential antiviral properties of the milk molecules present in JAT's supplementary food formulas against SARS-CoV-2 variants. The first report (Report) from the Project has been provided by RMIT to JAT.

The summary of the findings from the Report are set out below. The Report is in relation to the preliminary scientific research study based on in silico evidence only. The findings are very encouraging for immune support aspects of Jinvigorate Platinum and Moroka Platinum formulas.

One of the conclusions is that the testing of the Jinvigorate Platinum and Moroka Platinum formulas ".suggest high binding effectiveness against the omicron variant, particularly for the lactoperoxidase enzyme product hypothiocyanite." The hypothesis of the Project's upcoming clinical trial is that on consuming JAT's LF-Ig formulas (Jinvigorate Platinum and Moroka Platinum), human subjects would exhibit improved immune function and responses to a model vaccine, and may be better protected against upper respiratory tract infections (such as Flu and Covid). The human subjects will be aged between 20 and 70 years of age and a total of 75 subjects will be screened/recruited. One of the hypotheses for the Report was that the application of molecular docking could be extended to elucidate key interactions between LF and the viral S protein of SARS-CoV-2. In the Report dated 3 March 2022, which is based on in silico evidence, RMIT stated: Well studied anti-microbial molecules (lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and immunoglobulins) present in supplementary food formulas developed by JATCORP were studied by computational methods to determine their potential effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The company employed molecular simulation methods to predict the binding of lactoferrin, hypothiocyanite (a product of lactoperoxidase), and prototypical bovine antibodies to the spike protein of the L strain, delta variant and omicron variant. All milk components studied are predicted to bind strongly to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and may disrupt virus-human interaction. Results suggest high binding effectiveness against the omicron variant, particularly for the lactoperoxidase enzyme product hypothiocyanite.

This work is part of a multidisciplinary study including in vitro and in vivo experiments, conducted on a formula innovated by JATCORP containing components with antiviral properties, which will support and form the basis for upcoming clinical trials on human subjects. These preliminary studies highlight the potential for developing food-based products/dietary supplements for managing COVID-19 infection. While these findings are promising, well-designed clinical trials to test the predictions must be completed before making specific health claims. The effectiveness of milk products including these components in prevention, treatment or management of COVID-19 should be further examined by in vitro and in vivo studies.

The next stage is for clinical trials on humans to be conducted by RMIT to evaluate whether, on consuming JAT's LF-Ig formulas (Jinvigorate Platinum and Moroka Platinum), the humans exhibit improved immune function and recovery times after contracting viruses and evaluate the protection against upper respiratory tract infections (such as Flu and Covid). This RMIT Report further reinforces the findings made previously by The University of Sydney. The basis of the JAT involvement in creating the co-branded CocoSoul Moroka products to be manufactured and marketed by Saputo was the ability of JAT to deliver the immune support products having the antiviral properties described in The University of Sydney research.

JAT has been working with its co-branding partner and Saputo on the basis that the RMIT Report would support and extend the previous findings of The University of Sydney on JAT's immune support products. As a result of the findings in the RMIT Report, the CocoSoul Moroka products will be extended to include five drink products, being coconut milk with immune support (1L), coconut and oat milk with immune support (1L), coffee drink with immune support (250ml), matcha drink with immune support (250ml) and coconut and oat milk drink with immune support (250ml). These products will be released to the market by Saputo in late April/early May 2022.