Researchers from Jikei University Kashiwa Hospital in Japan and Fuji Chemical Industry used Fuji’s commercially available AstaReal astaxanthin ingredient, and the trial involved 61 non-obese people with mildly elevated triglyceride levels.

According to the researchers, the potential benefits of astaxanthin with regards to HDL cholesterol and triglycerides have been demonstrated previously in animal studies, but supporting data from humans have been lacking.

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BNPD, formerly Bionic Products, Inc., is currently undergoing a formal name change to Biocen Natural Products Development, Inc. All corporate information is currently being updated and the official name change will be announced when approval has been received from the regulatory authorities.

The details of the contract between BNPD and BEHL are as followed, states Ms. Berry, “The first part of the contract is a $600,000 licensing and royalty agreement for representation of BEHL and BEHL clients for specific algaes produced. BNPD has agreed to pay BioCentric Energy in 8 equal installments commencing on September 14, 2010. As the market demand fluctuates for the end products, the licensing fee may be amended annually.”

In addition to the licensing agreement, both companies have agreed upon and executed a sole and exclusive sales and marketing contract in which BNPD will purchase from BioCentric Energy and its clients 3 specific algae strains to be used in BNPD’s health and nutracuetical products.

The first algae strain, Haemaotoccocus, has a current market value of $341 per kilogram. Conservatively, BEHL will produce 15,600 pounds of Haemaotoccocus over the next 12 months for BNPD. The next strain grown by BEHL and/or clients sold to BNPD will be the very popular, robust and fast growing Chlorella.

The current market value for Chlorella is $44 per kilogram. BioCentric Energy will deliver to BNPD, 12,000 pounds of Chlorella over the next 12 months. Finally, the highly popular algae known for its antioxidant and anticancer properties, Spirulina, will also be produced and delivered to BNPD. The current market value for Spirulina is $20 per kilogram. BioCentric Energy plans to produce and deliver approximately 22,500 pounds of Spirulina over the next 12 months.

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It also works closely with Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure the seaweed harvesting is sustainable and environmentally friendly.The company employs eight people in its factory, although a further 36 jobs have been created in harvesting and hauling the crop. The end product is utilised in a variety of ways ranging from soil enhancement to shampoos, soaps, and body washes.

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Ninety per cent of its products are exported and those overseas sales got a boost more than 10 years ago when founder Margaret Holloway took Nemidon’s gel on a marketing trip to a United States triathlon trade show. Offering it to a visitor proved to be a good move – he turned out to be a member of the US Olympic committee.

“The visitor who came to our booth used the gel and was impressed by its qualities. He then asked if we would be prepared to put the gel up for the US market,” Hollway said.

“What that has done for us is given us the credibility we needed early on to tackle our global push, as well as the credibility to enter the Aussie market.”

Nemidon’s gels are formulated using a seaweed extract that acts as a carrier delivering the active ingredients needed for rehabilitation of the skin.

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• In a human study, Astaxanthin showed benefits for immune enhancement, oxidative stress & inflammation reduction and also decreased damage to DNA (Park, et al, 2010)
• In another promising human study, Astaxanthin reduced triglycerides and increased good cholesterol (HDL) in patients with mild hyperlipidemia (Yoshida, et al, 2010)
• A study on Astaxanthin’s abilities as a sunscreen reinforced earlier studies demonstrating positive benefits for skin health and its capacity to prevent damage from UV light (Suganuma, et al, 2010)
• Eye health benefits for Astaxanthin were further validated in a rat study which found a protective effect for Astaxanthin in ocular hypertension (Cort, et al, 2010)
• Astaxanthin was found to protect against damage from ischemia (blockage of arteries) through its intense antioxidant activity (Curek, et al, 2010)
• Astaxanthin was found to be a potent agent against neurodegenerative disorders (Chan, et al, 2010)
• Astaxanthin displayed an ability to improve the profileration of neural stem cells (Kim, et al, 2010)

For a copy of these studies  (or for information on Cyanotech’s BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin), please contact Cyanotech

Registration and preliminary program available in September

BIOPROSP is a leading international biennial conference series on bioprospecting from cold marine environments. These conferences aim to present explorative research and its industrial applications in an integrated fashion. On behalf of the Scientific Committee, you are invited to Tromsø and the BIOPROSP Conference 2011.

The focus in the 2011 conference will be industrial biotech and bioprospecting as a stepping stone towards the bioeconomy.

Target group: Academic and industry researchers, decision makers, regulatory experts, investors and public facilitators.

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C-Tech Innovation, a UK based technology development company, is leading the three year EXCIL project that involves collaboration with key stakeholders including Heineken UK, seafood processor West Coast Sea Products, GlycoMar Ltd.,  the Sea Fish Industry Authority, waste management firm SITA UK and Imperial College London.

The research is being by funded by a UK government agency, the Technology Strategy Board, with the stated objective being to provide a new approach to solving the environmental and financial costs involved in disposal of food and brewing waste through a sustainable and resource efficient method.

EXCIL is a 3 year project which started in October 2009.

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Biofoskning’s Skin Science is an exclusive skincare line sold in the Scandinavian professional skincare market.  Bioforskning AS is currently preparing a sales expansion of their Skin Science line to several major European markets during the second half of 2010, in addition to developing new lines of products incorporating ingredients such as ABT’s Zonase X, which will be launched during the second half of 2010 and first half 2011.

ABT’s supply and development agreement with the global health care company, who does not wish to be disclosed at this time for strategic reasons, involves development of new products based on certain components contained in ABT’s patented Zonase technology, including Zonase X. The agreement represents a breakthrough for ABT’s new ingredient technology and has significant commercial potential for the company, as it comprises development of products outside of the original application areas of Zonase (which include exfoliation, moisturization and rejuvenation of skin), proving the versatility of the Zonase X technology. A patent application has been filed securing both parties’ common commercial rights within the new product area.

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Many believe the ocean is where life first started. Then it is no surprise, perhaps, that the biggest potential source for new, bioactive ingredients for the health and beauty market may originate from the same place. With so many new species of marine life still to be discovered, the potential for new marine-derived compounds and extracts is immense, and the industry is poised for accelerated development in the near future.

Later this year, the final results of the Census of Marine Life will be revealed. This 10-year ambitious initiative, driven by a global network of researchers in about 80 nations, is intended to assess and explain the diversity, distribution and abundance of marine life in the world’s oceans. This massive study will tell us about newly identified marine organisms and marine life not previously known. This news is exciting, as new promising bacteria, organisms and compounds will be likely discovered, providing a potential treasure trove of new marine ingredient products.

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