Some 30 million NOK are to be made available for new initiatives alongside continuing support for established programmes such as MABIT and Marbank.
“We will have the first call for proposals from the new biotech program (BIOTEK2021) in February says special adviser Steinar Bergseth, who has long championed the sector.” Also I am pleased to say that internationally Norway is taking a lead in this area – perhaps only naturally considering our marine traditions and the length of our coastline.
Marinova has some exciting news to report in the area of new clinical trials. Reflecting a commitment to developing novel fucoidan compounds with proven therapeutic efficacy, they have just commenced two new clinical trials. These two studies will investigate the potential of Maritech® fucoidan in the following clinical settings:
• Osteoarthritis and Inflammation
This is a large multi-site trial, directly commissioned by Marinova, to assess the ability of Maritech® fucoidan to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The trial is double randomised, placebo controlled and – in addition to pain score testing – serum samples will be tested for several key markers of inflammation. This study is being conducted at Southern Cross University (Australia) and results are expected in the second quarter of 2012.
• Integrative Oncology
At two centres in Australia, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer will take Maritech® fucoidan. The levels of chemotherapy drug in serum will be measured to assess the effects of fucoidan, including any interactions with the chemotherapy drug. Indicators of pain and improvements in quality of life will also be assessed. This study is being conducted in conjunction with the University of Tasmania and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013.
PetroAlgae Inc. (otcpk:PALG), a global provider of licensed technology that produces micro-crops for renewable protein, feed, and fuel products announced today the completion of the first phases of two studies showing that PetroAlgae micro-crop protein could qualify as the first major new plant protein source for humans since soy protein entered the human diet in the 1950s.
PetroAlgae’s patent pending technology employs a hydroponic system using indigenous aquatic plants and is designed to enable its licensees to produce high-value protein, animal feed and a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels, while absorbing carbon dioxide. Unlike most soy products, PetroAlgae protein is not produced from genetically modified (GMO) species; it is derived from renewable aquatic crops using no pesticides or heavy metals that would otherwise contaminate the products with residues. Moreover, by using a local, non-GMO species, the PetroAlgae licensed technology preserves the ecological integrity of the areas that are farmed, and it does not pollute soil or water.
The studies were performed at the College of Agriculture at Purdue University, under the direction of Dr. Mario Ferruzzi; by Dr. Fadi Aramouni of the College of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University; and by independent laboratories such as Craft Technologies, Inc.
Water extract from the Haruan fish in Malaysia has proved safe and effective for healing incision and burn wounds.
Haruan is a popular fish to eat in Malaysia and is thought to have wound healing properties due to the abundance of fatty and amino acids, which help blood clotting and reduce pain. When prepared as fillets, researchers cook the fish using distilled water in a pressure cooker. The fillets are discarded and the water extract left over is compounded into an aerosol spray.
Rabbits, mice and rats were used to examine Haruan water extract’s effect on skin, and the animals were then treated for incision and burn wounds with the extract in aerosol form. Two aerosol formulas were made using the water extract, one with fusidic acid and the other without. Those treated with the fusidic acid spray had a slower healing time as it inhibited the growth of scar tissue. Like many topical antibiotics, it is thought that fusidic acid is harmful to the wound healing cells.
The Haruan water extract spray without fusidic acid, however, was far more effective in helping collagen proliferate and fibroblast production. Specifically in burn wounds the spray keeps the wound site cool, reducing inflammation.
Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. and BioProcess Algae, LLC have announced the successful completion of the first round of algae-based poultry feed trials. The algae strains produced for the feed trials demonstrated high energy and protein content that was readily available, similar to other high value feed products used in the feeding of poultry today.
The algae strains used in the feed trials were grown in BioProcess Algae’s Grower Harvester™ reactors, co-located with Green Plains’ ethanol plant in Shenandoah, Iowa. The test was conducted in conjunction with the University of Illinois, led by Dr. Carl M. Parsons, a leading expert in the field of poultry sciences.
Presperse Corporation is pleased to announce that they have entered into a distribution agreement with Aqua Bio Technologies ASA (ABT) based in Norway. ABT develops and produces patented ingredients and technologies based on extensive research and development.
Their novel marine active ingredients are derived from the pure and protected environment of Northern waters. ABT’s flagship ingredient, Aquabeautine XL™, is a patented marine solution that adds moistureand improves the renewal of skin cells in an effective and gentle manner. The first self-limiting enzyme of its kind, it is also proven to deliver anti-aging effects in vivo. 100% natural,biodegradable and sustainable, Aquabeautine XL™ is targeted for use in anti-aging products, spa/cosmeceutical products, as well as products for sensitive skin.
Bioprospecting is opening up international markets for Norwegian seafood companies. Essences extracted from a prawn or octopus off the west coast of Norway could end up as flavouring in noodle packages in China.
This type of bioprospecting involves investigating marine organisms to find components or compounds that have commercial use. The potential results are particularly promising in relation to foodstuffs as well as for applications in medicine and the energy industry.
In the initial phase, researchers will be investigating various species and raw materials, including species already common in fisheries, untapped resources such as woodlice, and by-products such as leftovers from processing in the fishing industry, to cater for Chinese preferences.
Aurora Algae, with dual operations in Hayward, CA and Karratha, Australia, has received a round of $22 million from Oak Investment Partners, other existing investors, and a large foreign strategic investor who, at this time, has not been identified.
The funding will help Aurora execute plans for the construction of its commercial facility in Maitland, Western Australia — for which the company secured 610 hectares (approximately 1500 acres) of land earlier this year — and expand operations within its Hayward (CA) and Karratha (Western Australia) facilities. They expect to break ground in Maitland early next year.
The research report titled “Glucosamine: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the Glucosamine market, current market trends, key growth drivers, new research findings on Glucosamine, new product introductions and launches, recent corporate initiatives, and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for Glucosamine for the years 2009 through 2017 for the following geographic markets – US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World. The study also presents historic data for the period 2003 through 2008.
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Hawaii-based Cyanotech has posted a dramatic rise in sales in the first quarter of 2012 driven by growing demand for natural astaxanthin: a potent red antioxidant that hit the headlines earlier this year following favorable coverage on Dr Oz and Oprah. Cyanotech is based in Kona, Hawaii.
The microalgae specialist, which also makes spirulina – a blue/green nutrient packed with protein, carotenoids, B-Vitamins, GLA and essential amino acids – posted a 21.8 percent rise in net income to $486,000 on revenues up 54.3 percent to $5.95m in the three months to June 30.
The sharp rise was primarily due to a surge in sales of astaxanthin (accounting for 63 percent of sales) which were up 97 percent in the quarter.
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