Interview with Don Gauvreau of PharmaFreak Technologies

AN: Ripped Freak is our runaway favourite for Fat Burner of the Year and the strongest fat burner we've tried in years. Each member of the AstroNutrition team tried it and the results were consistent – ridiculously strong, long lasting rush greater than 8 hours, no crash and boundless energy. The feedback from customers was unanimous – that is was the best and strongest fat burner since ECA (ephedrine, caffeine, aspirin) stacks were all the rage. I'm chatting with Don Gauvreau, the director and head of R&D of PharmaFreak Technologies, makers of Ripped Freak. There are literally hundreds of fat burners on the market that make claims of being the strongest, hardcore and most effective. Tell us, what makes Ripped Freak so special from the others?

DG: There are a few key things that make Ripped Freak different from all the other fat burners on the market. First off, we’ve included some very unique, never-before-seen ingredients in the formula, for instance, new EGCG derivatives, 1,3-Dimethylamylamine (1,3-D™), and a unique red pepper extract. Secondly, unlike many other fat burners on the market, we haven’t included tiny amounts of several ingredients in our formula. Instead, we’ve critically selected a group of key, powerful ingredients, and have included them in very high doses, so they can truly have a significant impact on fat loss. Finally, we use the methyl gallate ester in the Ripped Freak formula to improve the absorption and effects of the ingredients in the formula, which is one of the main reasons why Ripped Freak delivers more powerful energizing and fat-burning effects!

AN: I've taken Ripped Freak and found it to be an incredibly strong fat burner and one that raises the bar amongst its peers. What research has gone into Ripped Freak and what exactly is a hybrid drug fat burner?

DG: Years of research and development has gone into Ripped Freak. I started researching and developing the initial formula back in late 2006. In early 2008, we began beta testing the Ripped Freak formula on several bodybuilders and figure competitors. Needless to say, the results were impressive! Before finally releasing Ripped Freak to the market, I collaborated with other industry experts, such as Dr. Gregory Bigford from the University of Miami, to ensure that every avenue possible was used to make Ripped Freak the most effective formula possible. Ripped Freak is called a hybrid-drug fat burner because it contains ingredients that are derived from nature, which have been organically altered or synthesized to deliver more powerful ergogenic effects.

AN: So what hybrid ingredients are in Ripped Freak?

DG: The hybrid ingredients included in Ripped Freak are caffeine-methyl gallate, raspberry ketone-methyl gallate and 1,3-D™ (from geranium oil extract).

AN: Can you explain what methyl gallate ester is and how it benefits fat burning?

DG: The methyl gallate ester is used as an intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry. It’s attached to drugs in order to provide superior bioavailability and an extended half-life in the body. That’s exactly why it’s being used in the Ripped Freak formula! The methyl gallate ester inhibits the degradation of ingredients in the stomach, which means they’re more effectively absorbed and distributed throughout the body to their target tissues. This allows the Ripped Freak formula to have a greater impact on the body’s total fat burning capacity throughout the day.

AN: Many in the bodybuilding circle are familiar with your dedication to the sport and supplement industry. Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

DG: I’ve always had a deep rooted passion for bodybuilding, fitness, nutrition and supplementation. It all started in high school when I started lifting weights to get stronger for sports. I wanted every edge possible and I knew there was a science to training and nutrition, so I started reading, analyzing and dissecting every ounce of information I could get from books, journal articles and scientific studies. I wanted to know exactly how every aspect of the human body worked, and more importantly how I could make it work better through different training, nutrition and supplementation strategies. This obsession for knowledge continued as I went on to university and studied human anatomy and exercise physiology while earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology. In 2001, I got my first gig with a major sports nutrition company and worked in the marketing and R&D departments.

In 2005, I accepted a job with a newer company as the lead product formulator. After about a year in that position, it was time for a new challenge! I decided to go back to school and complete my Master’s Degree, and at the same time start my own consulting business geared towards the dietary supplement industry. I consulted on a variety of projects for as many as 10 different companies and it was during this time that I started the initial development of Ripped Freak. By developing my own products, I was finally able to start creating exactly what I wanted and what I believed to be the most effective on the market. Researching and studying dietary supplements has become an obsession of mine. When it comes to dietary supplements and nutraceutical ingredients I want to know more than everyone – my craving for knowledge is never satisfied!

AN: That's a pretty impressive resume, Don. Is there one thing that gives you an edge over the competition?

DG: The one thing that I think really gives me an edge over other researchers and product formulators in this industry is my passion for bodybuilding and fitness. Not only do I understand the science of supplementation, training and nutrition, but I also have the hands-on real-world experience in the gym and on the competitive stage. I’ve competed in about 7 or 8 bodybuilding contests and have even qualified to compete at the National level. And, even though I’m getting a little bit older now, I can still squat nearly 400 pounds for reps and deadlift close to 500. Although I don’t compete anymore, I’m still a bodybuilder at heart and always will be. I think that’s one of the reasons why I’ve been able to create a product that’s being embraced by bodybuilders and fitness athletes all over the world.

AN: What products have you been involved in over the years?

DG: That’s a great question! I’ve never really taken too much time to think about all the products I’ve been involved with. Off the top of my head, I would say I’ve probably formulated at least 50 different products over the years. Back in 2005, I had a major hand in many of NxLab’s top-selling fat burner products, such as Methyl Ripped, Methyl Dry, Rev Hardcore, and Y3. I’ve also introduced several new ingredients to the supplement industry, for example, 11-hydroxy-yohimbine, which is a very unique form of yohimbine. I think I’ve really found my niche in developing fat-loss and performance-enhancement products, and have been focusing on that for quite some time now. I want to be known as the fat-loss expert. I want to know more about fat-burning and energy-enhancing supplements than anyone else in the world – that’s my mission!

AN: Wow, I had no idea you were the brains behind 11-hydroxy-yohimbine. A fantastic contribution to the sports supplement industry.

AN: Final question, Don - what plans are in store for the near future with PharmaFreak Technologies?

DG: In the short term, our focus is on building the brand awareness of Ripped Freak. I feel we have the best product in the fat-loss category, so I want to make sure that the message gets out there. Our next product launch will likely not be until 2010 at the earliest and the type of product will depend on the latest scientific research and findings. As a company, we will only release a product if we believe it’s significantly better than anything else already on the market. We’re not just going to throw a “me-too” product out there. All I can say is that each and every day I’m filtering through new research and analyzing new ingredients. So, don’t be surprised if a new and improved version of Ripped Freak is our next product launch! (Yes, I believe I can still make it even stronger!)

AN: Thanks for taking a timeout in your busy day to sit with us, Don. Best of luck with Ripped Freak and future PharmaFreak product launches.

DG: Thank you for the opportunity to talk about Ripped Freak. I look forward to doing this again soon!