Norwegian Researchers Discover Prawn Peptides to be Effective in Lowering Blood Pressure in Humans

Posted On: May 14, 2012

The Norwegian research institute Nofima announces the discovery of a refined peptide concentrate derived from the arctic coldwater prawn Pandalus Borealis as a revolutionary natural ingredient to help people maintain a healthy blood pressure. To our knowledge this is the most potent Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibiting peptide concentrate that is reported in scientific literature.  Working as an ACE-inhibitor, it can be used as a dietary supplement or food ingredient to lower blood pressure. The all-natural supplement could help millions of individuals improve their overall cardiovascular health without using prescription drugs.

“Nofima is pleased to report this scientific achievement that further showcases the potential of marine biotechnology and prospecting “said Asbjørn Gildberg, Senior Scientist for Nofima.  “The ACE-inhibiting potency of this peptide concentrate is higher than in any comparable natural derived product earlier reported,” added Gildberg.

The Norwegian marine biotechnology company Marealis AS follows the product from discovery to commercialization as a blood pressure lowering dietary supplement for the maintenance of normal blood pressure, for people struggling with a blood pressure above normal – prehypertension or hypertension. Marealis is currently conducting a clinical trial in order to document the effect in humans.

More info

From Issue 15 • Categories: Tags: ACE, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, Aquapreneur, functional ingredients, Marealis AS, marine biotechnology, marine ingredients, marine natural product, Nofima, nutraceutical, Pandalus Borealis, seafood byproducts • No Comments

Norway makes another solid investment in marine biotechnology

Posted On: April 15, 2011

Nofima’s bioprocessing pilot plant in Tromsø will be co-located with the new biotechnology facility being built in Kaldfjord near Tromsø and expanded from 150 m² to around 1000 m².

This expansion will enable companies to take what they do in the laboratories a step further than what is possible at Nofima’s current bioprocessing pilot plant, from production on a pilot scale to a larger scope of product and process development on both a pilot and industrial scale.

“Marine bioprospecting deals with mapping the active substances found in marine species. Marine bioprocessing involves taking a step further so that the research results in new products. The new plant will be able to assist the companies with this. This bioprocessing pilot plant will be marketed to industrial players not only nationally, but also internationally,” says project manager Even Stenberg at Nofima.

RDA Troms has allocated NOK 22 million towards the expansion. RDA is business-oriented funding scheme that was introduced when the scheme for differentiated employers’ social security contributions were phased out.

The total budget is NOK 26 million.

More info

 

From Issue 14 • Categories: Tags: Aquapreneur, marine biotech cluster, marine biotechnology, marine ingredients, Nofima, Norway, seafood byproducts • No Comments