Raj K. Chopra was a leading figure in the vitamin and health foods industries, and a luminary in the world of coenzyme Q10. In 1976, Raj co-founded Tishcon Corporation in Westbury Long Island, a manufacturer of nutritional supplements, vitamins, and nutraceuticals, for which he coined the tagline, “only nature has had more experience with vitamins.”
Raj was a true pioneer- from the innovative products he developed to his unique leadership style. His groundbreaking development of a superior delivery system for coenzyme Q10, a patented, hydrosoluble formulation, benefits millions around the world. His emphasis on improving the bioavailability and delivery of essential nutrients raised the bar in the industry. Raj was often quoted as saying “we don’t want vitamins that simply enrich the toilet bowls!” – hence, his interest in pharmacokinetics and commitment to designing delivery systems to optimize absorption.
Raj completed his graduate studies in industrial pharmacy at Columbia and went on to become one of the world’s experts in chewable multivitamin formulations, timed-release formulations, and bio-enhanced supplements.
In 2006, the American College of Nutrition honored Raj as the 2006 Industry Recipient of the prestigious Bieber Award in recognition of “his outstanding academic accomplishments and distinguished contributions in the nutrition industry.” In the early 2000s, the FDA granted Tishcon orphan drug designations for its coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol products to treat pediatric congestive heart failure, Huntington’s disease and a number of debilitating diseases associated with mitochondrial cytopathies. Raj was a generous supporter of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and cared deeply about supporting patients with these rare diseases. In 2022, Raj was honored by the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) and awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, given “to individuals in the natural products industry who have devoted their hearts and minds to the betterment of society through ethical and diligent business leadership.” Raj was honored by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin – Queens Long Island chapter in 2022 and given an award “established to recognize individuals who through actions and pursuits have contributed significantly to the betterment of the community.”
Throughout his life, Raj was deeply concerned about the underserved, and through Tishcon, he actively supported the work of Vitamin Angels, an organization that distributes essential nutrients and life-saving vitamins around the world, and other such organizations. Raj received the Vitamin Relief Guardian Angel Award for his generous contributions, including donating over 20 million high potency vitamin A softgels to help prevent vitamin A deficiency blindness in infants and children in Africa and Asia, as well as prenatal vitamins to supplement the diets of pregnant women, and multivitamins for young children.
Raj Chopra leaves behind 3 children, Geeta, Mona and Raj Jr, and Avana Grace his grandchild.
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