One Innovation Labs: The Science-Driven Company Behind PureWay-C with Much More to Come

What do GHOST, Vital Proteins, and Sports Research have in common?

They've all turned to the same Miami-based ingredient supplier to differentiate their vitamin C formulas: One Innovation Labs, creators of PureWay-C®.

The secret supplier behind GHOST, Vital Proteins & Sports Research has been hiding in plain sight. One Innovation Labs created the PureWay-C® technology these major brands rely on. Their latest innovations could reshape supplement formulation entirely.

Since 2004, PureWay-C® has helped brands stand out in the crowded vitamin C market, yet most formulators are unaware of its backstory. One Innovation Labs has developed a sophisticated delivery technology platform, combining pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing with innovative encapsulation systems that are reshaping how we think about nutrient bioavailability.

From PureWay-C® to LiposoMax®, DUOCAP®, and Beyond

As the company prepares for a major presence at SupplySide Global 2025, they're set to introduce their next-generation technologies: LiposoMax® liposomal delivery systems and the DUOCAP® capsule-within-capsule platform in partnership with Lonza. For formulators creating differentiated products backed by peer-reviewed clinical research, One Innovation Labs is on the verge of becoming an industry staple.

In this deep-dive, you'll learn about Dr. Pedro Perez, the Cuban chemical engineer who brought pharmaceutical-grade delivery technology to the nutraceutical space. We'll explore how a bootstrap operation transformed into a 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Miami Lakes, and why major brands trust One Innovation Labs for product differentiation.

You'll also get a first look at their cutting-edge LiposoMax® technology, a multi-phospholipid and fatty acid liposomal system advancing clinical research on creatine, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10. Additionally, we'll introduce the groundbreaking DUOCAP® platform, which opens new possibilities for combination formulations.

This is just the start of our coverage. We're planning facility tours, exclusive interviews with the leadership team, and technical deep dives into each technology platform. Sign up for our alerts to stay updated on what's coming next:

The Cuban Genius Behind the Innovation

Dr. Pedro Perez: From Big Pharma to Better Supplements

The story of One Innovation Labs begins with Dr. Pedro Perez, a Cuban-born chemical engineer whose journey from Big Pharma to nutraceutical innovation reads like a masterclass in applied science. With a PhD in Chemical Engineering specializing in DNA research, Pedro spent nearly two decades in pharmaceutical consulting during the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on delivery technologies that transformed how medications reach cellular targets.

Dr. Pedro Perez, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of One Innovation Labs

Pedro identified a significant opportunity that the pharmaceutical industry overlooked. While Big Pharma developed delivery systems for synthetic compounds, the nutraceutical space remained primitive, simply putting raw vitamins and minerals into capsules. "Why shouldn't everyday nutrients get the same technological treatment as prescription drugs?" he pondered.

In the early 2000s, Pedro left his consulting career and founded Innovation Laboratories, aiming to bring pharmaceutical-grade delivery technology to the masses. His mission was simple: apply the advanced encapsulation and bioavailability enhancement techniques from the pharmaceutical world to essential vitamins and minerals.

PureWay-C: The Technology That Started It All

Pedro's first breakthrough involved vitamin C, a popular yet problematic nutrient. Traditional ascorbic acid is flawed: it's water-soluble, causing rapid elimination via urine. Moreover, stomach acid degrades much of it before it reaches cells.

Pedro's solution was PureWay-C, a proprietary formulation combining ascorbic acid with a complex of lipid metabolites (fatty acids) and citrus bioflavonoids. Rather than fighting the body's natural processes, this technology works with them. The fatty acid complex serves as a protective carrier, helping vitamin C cross cellular membranes more efficiently, while the citrus bioflavonoids provide additional antioxidant protection and stabilize the entire complex.

The results spoke for themselves, but Pedro didn't rely solely on anecdotal evidence. He invested in rigorous clinical research, partnering with institutions like the University of Miami to validate his technology. Four peer-reviewed studies published in Medical Science Monitor between 2007 and 2008 demonstrated that PureWay-C® delivered 233% higher cellular retention compared to standard ascorbic acid, stimulated neuron growth 12 times more efficiently, promoted wound healing 40% faster, and significantly reduced inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (15.6% reduction) and oxidized LDL (8.4% reduction).^[1-4]

But real validation came from the market. When GHOST® revamped their flagship stimulant-free pre-workout supplement Ghost PUMP in 2021, they needed a vitamin C source that could deliver real functional benefits. They chose PureWay-C, which became a key differentiator in their V2 series, further propelling the billion-dollar brand. Today, PureWay-C® is featured across GHOST®'s entire product line, from their Legend pre-workouts to their Hydration powder formula and vitamin C + glutathione product.

That success story opened doors. Vital Proteins integrated PureWay-C® into their collagen formulations, recognizing that enhanced vitamin C absorption could boost collagen synthesis. Additionally, Sports Research is launching their first liposomal vitamin C product this year, featuring PureWay-C® as the active ingredient. What began as one scientist's vision to improve nutrient delivery has become the gold standard for brands seeking to support vitamin C claims with real science.

Building the Enterprise: The 2019 Partnership

Anthony Armas' Infrastructure Expertise

By 2019, Pedro had an innovative technology platform backed by peer-reviewed clinical research. What he didn't have was the business infrastructure to scale it beyond a boutique operation. That's where Anthony Armas entered the picture.

Anthony brought valuable expertise. With years of experience managing physician practices in outpatient healthcare, he understood how to build operational systems that could handle complex regulatory requirements while maintaining high-quality standards. He recognized the massive opportunity that Pedro's technology represented.

The partnership formed through a mutual physician friend who recognized the synergy. Anthony collaborated with Guillermo Salazar, a successful businessman connected to the Cuban-American business community, and together they made Pedro an enticing offer: continue innovating while they built the enterprise around him.

The transformation was immediate. Anthony began systematically developing every department Pedro had managed alone: accounting, finance, procurement, quality assurance, operations, marketing, and sales. The highlight of their expansion was establishing a world-class manufacturing facility from the ground up.

In late 2021, One Innovation Labs moved into their 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Miami Lakes. This wasn't just another contract manufacturing plant; it was designed to pharmaceutical specifications, incorporating the same quality systems and equipment standards Pedro had encountered during his Big Pharma consulting days. The facility serves as a manufacturing powerhouse and a testament to their commitment to quality.

From Bootstrapped to Best-in-Class

The new infrastructure enabled One Innovation Labs to scale manufacturing while upholding PureWay-C's quality control. They invested significantly in regulatory certifications, earning the credentials major brands require for supplier partnerships.

The results were dramatic. Their international distribution network, cultivated by Pedro over two decades, now had the production capacity to meet rising global demand. However, Anthony recognized that domestic growth necessitated a different strategy: they needed a presence in the American market.

The company recently expanded its sales team with seasoned veterans who understand the nuances of working with major supplement brands. They also executed a comprehensive rebranding effort with industry-leading experts to modernize their identity and messaging, ensuring that the company behind PureWay-C® could gain recognition akin to their flagship ingredient.

Today, One Innovation Labs operates at a far higher level than the operation Pedro started two decades ago. They have maintained their innovation-first mentality while building the necessary business infrastructure to support partnerships with billion-dollar brands.

Next-Generation Technologies

So what's coming next?

• LiposoMax®: Answering Market Demand

  While Pedro perfected his lipid metabolite technology, the supplement industry was awakening. Liposomal delivery was trending, from Silicon Valley biohackers to the Kardashians promoting liposomal vitamin C "goo" on social media. Suddenly, every brand wanted in on the liposomal action.

  

  Pedro's response was classic: "If you want liposomal, we'll make the best liposomal technology on the market."

  However, he wasn't interested in following the pack. Most liposomal manufacturers take shortcuts, using single phospholipid formulations or simple "thin film dispersion" methods that create unstable liposomes. Pedro wanted to engineer something better. He developed LiposoMax®, a proprietary multi-phospholipid and fatty acid complex that creates an "entourage effect" of different phospholipids working together.

  

  The difference is visible under the microscope. Using TEM imaging (Transmission Electron Microscopy), One Innovation Labs can prove their liposomes exist in the final product, a feat few liposomal manufacturers can demonstrate. Their Cryo-TEM images show uniformly distributed liposomes in configurations: unilamellar (single-layer), multilamellar (onion-like layers), and multivesicular (multiple internal compartments).

  "We don't just throw ingredients into a blender and hope they stick," explains Pedro. "We create the chemical reaction to ensure successful encapsulation."

  Today, One Innovation Labs offers 15+ ingredients off-the-shelf in their LiposoMax® format, with over 240 different nutrients in their R&D pipeline. From basic vitamins like D3 and B-complex to advanced compounds like CoQ10 and glutathione, they've proven their technology works across the spectrum.

• The Double Encapsulation Innovation

  Pedro combined his original PureWay-C® innovation with better liposomal technology to create Liposomal PureWay-C.

  

  This double encapsulation approach layers Pedro's original lipid metabolite technology (fatty acids and citrus bioflavonoids) with his new LiposoMax® phospholipid complex. The result is vitamin C protected by two complementary delivery systems, maximizing absorption and retention.

  For formulators, this creates premium positioning opportunities. Instead of explaining why your vitamin C costs more than standard ascorbic acid, you can point to dual delivery technology backed by clinical research. It's differentiation that justifies higher price points while delivering functional benefits.

• DUOCAP®: Capsule-Within-Capsule Revolution

  Pedro's latest innovation may be his most game-changing yet. In partnership with Lonza, a leader in capsule delivery systems, One Innovation Labs is advancing DUOCAP® capsule-within-capsule technology in the nutraceutical space.

  

  The concept is straightforward: a liquid-filled outer capsule (using Lonza's Licaps® technology) contains a pre-filled inner capsule that can hold powder, pellets, or additional liquids. This innovation allows brands to combine incompatible ingredients or create customized release profiles.

  Research supports this innovation. Lonza's studies show 70% of consumers prefer taking one DUOCAP® over two separate products with incompatible ingredients. For formulators, this means creating combination products that were previously impossible, such as a pre-workout with liquid ingredients for fast-acting effects and powder ingredients for sustained energy.

  

  While One Innovation Labs' first DUOCAP® application features Liposomal PureWay-C, the platform's potential extends far beyond vitamin C. Any formulation challenge involving incompatible ingredients, different release timing, or premium positioning could benefit from this technology.

  Upcoming articles will delve into the science behind LiposoMax®, the engineering of DUOCAP®, and the clinical research pipeline. These technologies are reshaping nutraceutical formulation.

• Industry Impact and Market Position

  An interesting paradox exists in the supplement industry: PureWay-C® has remarkable recognition among formulators and educated consumers, but the company behind it remains largely invisible. Ask any formulator about enhanced vitamin C ingredients, and they'll mention PureWay-C. But ask who makes it, and you'll receive puzzled looks.

  The Brand Recognition Challenge: Wellness Reimagined for Every One

  This disconnect presents both a challenge and an opportunity. One Innovation Labs built one of the industry's most trusted ingredient brands without brand recognition for the company itself. While PureWay-C® generated millions in revenue and appeared in hundreds of products globally, the company operated in the shadows.

  

  The recent rebranding effort is changing this dynamic. The new approach centers around a powerful positioning statement: "From the creators of PureWay-C". Every piece of marketing collateral, sales presentation, and product introduction emphasizes this credential. If you trust PureWay-C, you should know the innovators behind it.

  The company's new tagline, "Wellness Reimagined for Every One", reflects their philosophy of bringing pharmaceutical-grade technology to everyday nutrients. The spacing in "Every One" emphasizes their focus on creating solutions for elite athletes, expectant mothers, busy executives, and everyone in between.

  Ingredients Made in America

  Quality and origin are central to their positioning. As a Made-in-America operation with pharmaceutical-spec manufacturing, One Innovation Labs appeals to brands focused on supply chain transparency and domestic sourcing. Their Miami Lakes facility serves as a competitive advantage in an industry where provenance matters.

• Customer Success Stories

  GHOST®'s early adoption of PureWay-C® exemplifies how ingredient innovation can drive brand differentiation. When GHOST® updated their pre-workout line (notably GHOST® Pump v2), they sought every advantage. PureWay-C® became a key asset, providing a premium vitamin C source that delivered functional benefits and justified their pricing.

  This relationship has deepened, with PureWay-C® featured across much of GHOST®'s product line, including Hydration powder and two Legend pre-workouts. For GHOST®, PureWay-C® is integral to their formulation DNA.

  

  Vital Proteins integrated PureWay-C® into their collagen formulations to enhance vitamin C absorption and boost collagen synthesis. This illustrates the ingredient's versatility, as it enhances complementary formulas and works well on its own.

  Sports Research is launching their first liposomal vitamin C product this year, utilizing the double encapsulation technology of Liposomal PureWay-C. This marks a significant milestone, with a major brand adopting One Innovation Labs' advanced delivery system for a new product launch.

  Beyond these brands, One Innovation Labs offers custom formulation services for unique requirements. Their team collaborates on proprietary ingredient blends, specific delivery challenges, or novel applications that require custom R&D. They support partnerships of any scale, whether for a single ingredient or a complete solution.

  The common thread across these success stories is differentiation. In a commoditized ingredient market, One Innovation Labs provides the technology and clinical backing that enables brands to command premium pricing while delivering real functional advantages.

Looking Ahead: SupplySide Global 2025 and Beyond

Innovation Pipeline

The innovative company isn't resting on their PureWay-C® success. They are investing heavily in expanding technological capabilities, with new liquid encapsulation machinery scheduled for installation in Fall 2025 at their Miami Lakes facility. This equipment will offer more options for different market sectors such as cosmetics and softgels, while further increasing production capacity.

The clinical research pipeline is equally ambitious. While PureWay-C's four peer-reviewed studies established the foundation, Pedro's team is advancing research on LiposoMax® technology with glutathione, creatine, and CoQ10, and early results have exceeded expectations. They are launching four new human in-vivo clinical protocols specifically for Liposomal PureWay-C, focusing on immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular health applications.

Beyond expanding their ingredient portfolio, One Innovation Labs is doubling down on custom liposomal services for brands with unique bioavailability challenges. Their R&D team can develop custom solutions backed by pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing capabilities, whether encapsulating a proprietary blend, solving stability issues, or creating a novel delivery system.

The company is also ramping up educational initiatives and industry partnerships. Expect more technical presentations, white papers, podcasts, and collaborative research projects designed to advance the industry's understanding of advanced delivery technologies.

What This Means for Formulators

For formulators attending SupplySide Global, One Innovation Labs offers something rare in the ingredient space: access to genuine pharmaceutical-grade delivery technology proven in commercial applications.

Their platforms provide actual clinical differentiation that translates into real marketing advantages. Instead of generic vitamin C claims, you can reference peer-reviewed research showing superior absorption, retention, and functional benefits. For premium brands, this clinical backing justifies higher price points while delivering genuine consumer value.

Most importantly, One Innovation Labs offers flexible manufacturing partnerships that can scale with your business. Whether you need 500 units for a test launch or 500,000 for national distribution, they've built the infrastructure to support partnerships of any size. Their consulting services, technical support, and formulation expertise mean you're accessing a complete technology platform with science-backed marketing claims that can differentiate products in a crowded marketplace.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Nutraceutical Innovation

One Innovation Labs occupies a unique position in the supplement industry, bridging pharmaceutical-grade science with accessible nutraceuticals. From Dr. Pedro's bootstrap operation in the early 2000s to today's 40,000 square foot facility, they've demonstrated that genuine innovation backed by rigorous clinical research creates lasting competitive advantages.

Their commitment to advancing the industry through transparent science and collaborative partnerships sets them apart. In a space often dominated by marketing hype, One Innovation Labs leads with peer-reviewed research and measurable functional benefits.

This is just the beginning of our coverage. We're planning in-depth analyses of their LiposoMax® technology, a comprehensive DUOCAP® applications guide, a podcast from the SupplySide Global expo hall, and an exclusive facility tour showcasing their pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing processes. We'll also bring you interviews from SupplySide with partnering companies ready to utilize the technology.

For formulators looking to create genuinely differentiated products backed by real science, One Innovation Labs provides the technological foundation and clinical support to make it happen. The future of nutraceutical innovation is being written in Miami Lakes... make sure you're part of the story.