Feb
15 2010

Research shows effectiveness of natural seaweed extract on Osteoarthritis symptoms

Research published today in Biologics: Targets & Therapy, cites human clinical trials conducted at Southern Cross University NatMed Research Centre, which have demonstrated that the natural seaweed extract can reduce Osteoarthritis symptoms in some patients by up to 52%. The extract used in the clinical trials is a natural complex of concentrated fucoidans – bioactive polysaccharides thought to be responsible for many of the health benefits attributed to brown seaweeds such as wakame. All clinical trial participants had clinically-diagnosed osteoarthritis of the knee and were given a daily dose of the fucoidan-rich extract over a 12 week period during which the changes in their symptoms were observed.

Participants taking 100mg of the seaweed extract each day showed an 18% reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms, using the internationally-validated COAT (Comprehensive Osteoarthritis Test) assessment protocol. Participants taking 1000mg per day reported a staggering 52% reduction in symptoms.

Developed by Australian biotechnology company Marinova Pty Ltd, the natural Maritech® extract used in the clinical trials is derived from seaweed species growing in the pristine ocean waters of Patagonia and Nova Scotia. Unlike most complementary therapies which target osteoarthritis, Maritech® extract has Organic, Kosher and Halal certifications and is suitable for patients with seafood and shellfish allergies.

Full details of the Study can be found at Biologics: Targets & Therapy 2010:4 33-44

From Issue 9 • Categories: Tags: algae, fucoidans, marine biotechnology, marine ingredients, marine natural product, osteoaarthritis, seaweed • 2 Comments

Feb
12 2010

Six-day conference on marine biotechnology held in Italy, June 2010

A six-day conference on marine biotechnology will be held in Acquafredda di Maratea, Italy from 20 to 25 June 2010.

This conference is designed to promote scientific excellence in marine biotechnology, give a platform for leading scientists and young researchers to present their work and discuss the future of the field in Europe. Organised around seven-half day sessions, event topics will include:
- algae and seaweed biomass;
- aquaculture;
- bioprospecting;
- human and environmental health;
- enzymes;
- marine bionanotechnology and biomaterials;
- marine models;
- pollution and bioremediation;
- bioinformatics and research infrastructures

More info

From Issue 9 • Categories: Tags: aquaculture, conference, marine bioprospecting, marine biotechnology, marine drugs, marine enzymes, marine extract, marine ingredients, marine natural product, nutraceutical, seafood byproducts, seaweed, technology • No Comments

Feb
08 2010

National Seminar on Marine Biotechnology- SEMBIOT ‘10, India

National seminar on Marine Biotechnology is being organised by the Centre for Development of Marine Biotechnology, School of Marine Sciences, CUSAT, Cochin, during 25-27 March 2010 at the School of Marine Sciences.

The seminar will cover the latest developments and applications of marine biotechnology and its implications to the management of marine environment.

Topics to include:

• Marine natural products and composite materials
• Bioactive marine natural products
• Drugs from the sea
• Marine natural products, biopolymers and enzymes for industries
• New types of composite materials

More info

From Issue 9 • Categories: Tags: conference, marine biotechnology, marine drugs, marine natural product • 1 Comment

Dec
16 2009

Aquapharm adds to team to facilitate commercialization of marine biotech products

Aquapharm has made two major appointments to help it move closer to commercializing its marine biotech assets.

Jon Williams joins Aquapharm as business development director with a remit to explore non-pharmaceutical markets for its products in areas such as personal care, food, nutrition and industrial chemistry.

Also signing up at the Oban-based firm is Dr Lloyd Payne who becomes research director.

Payne is being charged with delivering the completion of the world’s largest marine-derived compound library which the company hopes to unveil to the market next year.

Andrew Spragg, chief executive and founder of Aquapharm, said: “Because we have this growing portfolio, we need people with specific sector experience.

“Jon’s considerable experience in the commercialisation of natural products will be invaluable.This appointment will catalyse our efforts to establish sustainable, diversified sources of revenue and act to support the longer-term development of novel pharmaceutical candidates.

More info

From Issue 8 • Categories: Tags: Aquapharm, marine biotechnology • 1 Comment