Meet Zachary Phillips, PharmD: The Journey Behind the eCSeptionOL Formula

Hello, I'm Zachary Phillips, PharmD, and I'd like to share with you my part of the story behind the development of the eCSeptionOL Formula®. As one of the owners and formulators of the newly released product line at eCSeptionOL LLC, I believe it's important we introduce ourselves and offer some insight into the journey that led us here, as well as why we are investing so much into this endeavor.

My close friend and business partner, Robert Rager, initially approached me with his novel formula idea: DHA, PEA, and BCP treats for his own dogs. My experience, described later, made me feel immediately like the idea was worth pursuing. Bob brings an insane amount of talent and experts with him but I'll let him tell his side. Here's mine.

A Passion for Problem-Solving in Pharmacy

I've always been driven by a desire to solve problems and improve existing formulations to enhance patient healthcare experiences and quality of life. My parents trained me to care about others first, as they did. This motivation and some specific challenges experienced by those close to us led me to establish Capital Compounding with some other close friends in Bethesda, MD. I've spent the past 15 years innovating in the prescription and supplement space for humans and a wide range of animals—including cats, dogs, horses, birds, snakes, lizards, and even marine mammals. I live in Washington, DC, I find the beautiful and dynamic environment, as well as the thriving music scene, fuels my creativity and passion for my work.

One of the aspects I enjoy most about my career in pharmaceutical compounding is the opportunity to train other pharmacists in the art. Each of them have gone on to open their own small businesses in other cities, which I believe contributes significantly to the quality of patient care in our country, offering alternatives to Big Pharma and even corporate compounders. Sharing knowledge and fostering growth in others aligns with my commitment to improving healthcare outcomes on a broader scale.

The Intersection of Psychopharmacology and Personal Experience

Beyond my professional endeavors, I'm actively involved in psychopharmacology communities, having continued my studies after pharmacy school. I dedicate time to educating others on the benefits and risks of various psychotropic off-label therapies, which are rapidly gaining popularity in the clinic and on the street. My goal is to minimize challenges in the successful use or adoption of these therapies for conditions like depression, PTSD, OCD, and other psychiatric or neurological maladies. It's simultaneously one of the oldest fields of medicine and a hot new frontier for researchers and patients, alike. 

My interest in optimizing cognition isn't just professional—it's deeply personal. I've always been fascinated by the potential of nootropic compounds to enhance mental performance and overall well-being. This curiosity has significantly informed and motivated my work on the eCSeptionOL Formula®, both for myself and for others who might benefit from it.

The Birth of the eCSeptionOL Formula®

The journey to the final formulation was anything but straightforward. We went through numerous iterations—some less palatable, others less stable or bioavailable. It was a process of trial, error, and innovation, guided by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Bob's initial idea of combining DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide), and BCP (β-Caryophyllene) for his dogs sparked a collaborative research and development journey that would span three years.

Throughout this time, we were influenced by specific cases of individuals suffering from untreated inflammation-related diseases. Witnessing their struggles firsthand underscored the urgent need for an effective solution. These experiences played a pivotal role in shaping the final formulation, which I believe is far greater than the sum of its parts. I'm thrilled with the outcome and eager to share its potential benefits.

Personal Trials and Triumphs

On a more personal note, my aging Nebelung cat and black lab have both been part of this experience. As they've grown older, I've observed the typical signs of aging—slower movement, lethargy or energetic limitations, and other age-related issues. Incorporating the eCSeptionOL Formula® into their diet over the past three years has remarkably improved their qualities of life, and therefor my own. Their improved mobility and energy levels have been heartening to witness.

Moreover, we've been fortunate to have many friends and family willing to be "guinea pigs" for our trials. Their feedback has been invaluable, offering real-world insights into the formula's efficacy. I'm happy to report that their experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. This collective encouragement has motivated me to push forward with investigation of their claims and commercialization, hopeful that others might experience similar benefits. My favorite, so far, which has since been echoed by others, is the possibility that mosquitos avoid humans and animals who take the formulations daily. This is still under investigation and we have exciting theories, but seriously, imagine never having to worry about mosquitos or diseases they carry, including West Nile in humans or heartworms in animals.

A Collaborative Effort for Better Health

Working with clinicians from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to formulate potential COVID-19 therapies for urgent clinical testing was another neat chapter in my career. It reinforced the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing global health challenges. The skills and knowledge gained from that experience further informed the development of the eCSeptionOL Formula®. Bob and I are excited that our application was accepted for review for a grant to study and commercialize a product for potential use in Alzheimer's Disease. Proximity to NIH is one of the reasons the Capital Compounding team chose Bethesda as our location.

I'm also a hobbyist programmer and graphic designer, which has allowed me to contribute to various aspects of our product beyond formulation. If you see it, either Bob or I wrote or designed it. From refining the checkout process to designing educational materials, I aim to ensure that every interaction with our product is seamless and informative. I welcome any feedback you might have on these elements, as continuous improvement is a core value of mine.

The Science Behind the Formula

The eCSeptionOL Formula® combines micronized, therapeutic dosages of natural compounds known for their health-promoting properties:

• Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA): A fatty acid amide with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• β-Caryophyllene (BCP): A dietary cannabinoid that selectively activates CB2 receptors, influencing inflammation and pain.
• Astaxanthin: A potent antioxidant that supports cardiovascular and neurological health.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Omega-3 DHA: Essential for brain health and modulating inflammatory responses.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus: A probiotic that enhances gut health and immune function.

Each ingredient has been carefully selected based on scientific research and their synergistic effects when combined. No buzz words here, the product is truly more than the sum of its parts, which are all amazing. The goal was to create a formula that not only addresses inflammation but also supports overall health, cognition, and longevity. We'll let you our case studies be the judge of whether we succeeded or not.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Innovation

The path to the final product wasn't without obstacles. Ensuring palatability, stability, and bioavailability required late nights, meticulous attention to detail, patience, and a willingness to iterate. It's one thing to have a formula that works in theory; it's another to create a product that is effective in real-world conditions, that people or animals will willingly consume.

For instance, achieving the right form of various oils while maintaining the impressive dosages was certainly a years-long challenge. Preventing rancidification, and ensuring absorption of notoriously insoluble ingredients were notable hurdles that I'm happy to say we've cleared. We explored various delivery methods and formulations, ultimately settling on convenient powder forms and capsules that offer flexibility and ease of use for both humans and animals.

A Glimpse into the Future

As we move forward, I'm excited about the potential of the eCSeptionOL Formula® to make a positive impact on people's lives—and the lives of their pets. Chronic inflammation is a pervasive issue that contributes to a host of health problems. By providing a natural, scientifically backed solution, we hope to offer relief and enhance quality of life.

I'm also looking forward to expanding our product line to achieve more specific outcomes, and exploring new formulations that address urgent and underfunded health concerns. Continuous learning and innovation are at the heart of what we do, and I believe there's always room to improve and adapt.

Invitation for Feedback and Collaboration

Your input is invaluable to us. Whether it's feedback on the checkout process, suggestions for educational content, or thoughts on the product itself, we welcome your perspectives. Collaboration and open communication are key to our success and to ensuring we meet the needs of those we aim to serve.

If you're curious about the science behind our formula or have questions about its potential benefits, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're committed to transparency and eager to engage with those who share our interest in health and wellness.

In Closing

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the journey behind the eCSeptionOL Formula®. It's been a labor of love, fueled by a passion for problem-solving and a desire to make a meaningful difference. I hope that by sharing this story, you have a better understanding of who we are and what drives us.

Stay tuned for Robert Rager's upcoming blog post, where he'll provide his perspective on our collaboration and the development of the formula. Together, we aim to offer a comprehensive view of our mission and the potential impact of our products.

Warm regards,

Zachary Phillips, PharmD
Founder and Formulator, eCSeptionOL LLC