Patents aren't the only form of IP protection - they have...

Patents aren't the only form of IP protection - they have formally stated they manage their IP through a trade secret strategy. So long as they execute it well it is more appropriate given they are reworking ancient technology. What they are doing would be self-evident to anyone with background in this space. How they are doing it (exact formulations, manufacturing process etc) are probably more important from an IP protection point of view.

The various approval hoops they have already jumped through in various jurisdictions gives them a bit of a head start too. Whether they can fully capitalise on it remains to be seen, but signs are positive so far.