PRESS RELEASE: Australian Innovation GluteGuard Wins 2026 Best New Product Award in Canada – Melbourne-based biopharmaceutical company Glutagen’s breakthrough gluten protection tablet gains international recognition.

Glutagen, the Australian biopharmaceutical company behind the clinically proven (1) gluten protection product GluteGuard, has been recognised internationally with the 2026 Best New Product Award in Canada. The consumer-voted accolade celebrates the most innovative and exciting new product launches highlighting the difference GluteGuard is making for those managing a gluten free diet worldwide.

Researched and developed in Melbourne, GluteGuard is the world’s only clinically proven product to help protect against symptoms of accidental gluten ingestion. Since its Australian launch in 2022, the product has helped gluten free Australians confidently manage gluten free dining, providing protection and peace of mind when eating out, travelling, or socialising. A life-changing benefit Glutagen is committed to making accessible to the global gluten free community.

Accidental gluten exposure is a common and often disruptive challenge for people who need to strictly avoid gluten. Even with strict dietary adherence, studies show that most individuals still consume measurable quantities of gluten inadvertently (2-3), resulting in uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms, with many reporting anxiety and fear of eating out (4). Until GluteGuard, there was no evidence-based product to help protect against these accidental exposures and the disruption that follows.

GluteGuard’s innovation is twofold. Firstly, its active ingredient, Caricain, is a unique, natural enzyme derived from the skin of unripe papaya. Caricain breaks down gluten peptides known to trigger symptoms in people with gluten-related disorders. Secondly, its targeted delivery mechanism ensures the enzyme is delivered where it’s needed: the tablet is taken pre-emptively in situations where accidental gluten exposure is possible, and the enteric coating protects the enzyme through to the small intestine, where it can effectively intervene if gluten is ingested. This development has filled a major gap in the health and lifestyle needs of those on a gluten free diet, providing a practical, clinically supported solution to the everyday challenge of accidental gluten ingestion.
Following its success in Australia — including being awarded the Outstanding & Innovative New Consumer Healthcare Product in 2023 — GluteGuard launched in Canada in partnership with Norwell Consumer Healthcare, part of the Pharmascience family. The product is now available in major Canadian retailers including Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Rexall, making this Australian innovation accessible to the gluten free community across Canada.

“GluteGuard was developed to make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of those on a gluten free diet,” said Cass Green, Glutagen Marketing Manager. “Over the past three years, we’ve seen first-hand the impact GluteGuard has had for the gluten free community here in Australia. Being recognised with this award in Canada shows that this Australian innovation is now on its way to making a meaningful difference there as well.”

The BrandSpark Best New Product Awards are determined by more than 12,000 Canadian shoppers, highlighting products that genuinely stand out for innovation, performance, and consumer appeal. Winning the Best New Digestive Enzyme positions GluteGuard as a globally recognised innovation enhancing how the gluten free diet is managed and shaping the future of gluten free living.

“Seeing GluteGuard embraced internationally and recognised by Canadian consumers is a proud moment for our team,” said Ezequiel Peña, CEO of Glutagen. “It reinforces that this need extends far beyond our shores and strengthens our commitment to making GluteGuard available to those who need it in other parts of the world.”

GluteGuard is available in over-the-counter packs in Australia and Canada. For more information, visit gluteguard.com.au and glutagen.com.

About Glutagen
Melbourne-based Glutagen specialises in developing therapeutics for gluten-related disorders. Through evidence-based innovation and enzyme therapy research, Glutagen offers high-quality products that enhance the health and lifestyle of the gluten free community. For more information, visit glutagen.com.

About Norwell Consumer Healthcare
Norwell Consumer Healthcare focuses on providing trusted, clinically proven OTC solutions to meet Canadians’ health and wellness needs. As an affiliate of the Pharmascience family, Norwell brings agility and innovation to the market. Learn more at norwellcanada.ca.

Media Contacts
Cass Green | [email protected] | 0450 282588
ENDS

References:
(1) Cornell JH et al. 2016 IJCD Vol. 4, No 2 p:40-47. Zebrowska A et al. 2014 IJCD Vol. 2, No 2 p:58-63. These clinical studies were funded byGlutagen Pty Ltd
(2) Russell AK et al. Nutrients. 2024;16(2):279
(3) Stefanolo JP et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;19(3):484–491.e1.
(4) Harnett et. al. (2020)- Quality of life in people with ongoing symptoms of coeliac disease despite adherence to a strict gluten–free diet; Nature Research (2020) 10:1144