Revenues/Profits up for Cyanotech vs. year ago

Posted On: June 28, 2011

Cyanotech Corporation, a NASDAQ-traded leader in microalgae-based, high-value nutrition and health products, headquartered in Kona, Hawaii, has announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011, ended March 31, 2011.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, revenues were $5,218,000 compared to $3,814,000 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Gross profit was $1,798,000, with gross profit margin of 34%, compared to gross profit of $1,387,000 and gross profit margin of 36% for 4Q ’10. Net income was $795,000 or $.14 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $226,000 or $(0.04) per diluted share last fiscal year.

Fiscal Year 2011

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, revenues were $16,827,000 compared to revenues of $15,742,000 for the year ended March 31, 2010. Gross profit was $6,341,000, with gross profit margin of 38%, compared to gross profit of $6,633,000 and gross profit margin of 42% in fiscal 2010. Net income was $1,730,000 or $.32 per diluted share, compared to $1,391,000, or $0.26 per diluted share fiscal year 2010.

For fiscal 2011, Spirulina sales accounted for 50% of total revenues and natural Astaxanthin sales for 50%. International sales were 42% of total sales.

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From Issue 14 • Categories: Tags: algae, Aquapreneur, astaxanthin, commercialize, Cyanotech Corporation, functional ingredients, marine ingredient, marine ingredients, microalgae, seafood byproducts, spirulina • No Comments

Spirulina shows immune boosting power for seniors

Posted On: February 17, 2011

Daily supplements of Hawaiian spirulina may boost the immune system of seniors and offer an opportunity to counter anemia associated with aging, says a new study from UC Davis and Cyanotech.

Twelve weeks of spirulina supplementation were associated with increased counts of white blood cells, foot soldiers of the immune system, with older women reported to respond more rapidly, according to findings published in Cellular & Molecular Immunology.

“The study does add to the growing body of scientific research demonstrating that Spirulina improves immune system response, especially in older individuals whose immune function naturally declines,” said Gerry Cysewski, PhD, chief science officer and executive vice president at Cyanotech, and co-researcher in this study.

Spirulina, a blue-green vegetable alga, is a rich source of protein, amino acids, phytonutrients, iron, antioxidants and B-vitamins. Cyanotech’s spirulina is grown in Hawaii, and has GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status, meaning it can be used as a functional ingredient in foods and beverages.

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From Issue 13 • Categories: Tags: algae, Aquapreneur, astaxanthin, Cyanotech, functional ingredients, marine ingredients, microalgae, nutraceutical, spirulina • No Comments

FEBICO extracts Apogen microalgae protein

Posted On: February 11, 2011

FEBICO invested almost 10 years of R&D in the self cultivation of their organic spirulina FEM101 to extract the purest water soluble Apogen microalgae protein. In a research collaborated with the Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences of Chang Gung University in 1999, they found that the Apogen microalgae protein contains APC, CPC which is proved to effectively control and resist Enterovirus 71, Influenza virus A / B type, delay virus replicating speed, and slow down the process of aptosis. This research is patented in the United States (US patent 6346408) and Taiwanese patent ( TW patent I 272947), and was published in the Journal of Medical Virology 2003 70:119-125).

In 2002, FEBICO continued studies on the types of viruses the Apogen is capable of suppressing. The research shows that the Apogen microalgae protein is capable of suppressing 6 types of enterovirus, Influenza virus A / B type, and 9 types of herpes simplex virus. In 2006 FEBICO also began researches on respiratory rotavirus. According to National Taiwan University’s empirical studies, Apogen once again proves that it is effective in suppressing respiratory rotavirus. Ensuring that the Apogen microalgae protein is a multifunctional type of material that is capable of suppressing different types of viruses.

Apogen microalgae protein is extracted from natural spirulina. It is water soluble, safe to use and is currently being produced into different types of dosages, including tablets or powder form. It can protect oral mucosa cells, form protective protection films and prevent virus attacks, which makes it a natural immune remedy against viruses.

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From Issue 13 • Categories: Tags: algae, Apogen, Aquapreneur, FEBICO, microalgae, seaweed, spirulina • No Comments

Fuji Health Science announces marketing agreement with Sanat Products Ltd, India, for spirulina products in North America

Posted On: January 14, 2011

Fuji Health Science, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd announced the conclusion of its marketing agreement with Sanat Products Ltd, India  involving the strategic placement of spirulina products within the North American market.

Sanat is a broad based producer of Herbal Extract, natural health care products and herbal Pharmaceuticals.  Applying the rigors of pharmaceutical quality to the natural product sector insures a level of excellence expected by consumers worldwide. Fuji is similarly based in pharmaceuticals along with the development and production of high performing excipients as well as unique nutritional ingredients. Both companies are involved in the cultivation of microalgae for natural human health benefit.  Fuji is a world leader in the production of natural astaxanthin from the single cell microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis and Sanat is a major producer of Organic spirulina.

Charles DePrince, president of Fuji Health said, “I see a synergy between the technologies of both companies that when combined has the potential to expand the scope of our product offerings in the market.”

“We envision our collaboration and cooperation within the sphere of Microalgae and related product marketing as an augmented step in more effectively reaching the customer base in North America,” said Amit Sharma, General Manager – International Business of Sanat Products Limited.

From Issue 13 • Categories: Tags: Aquapreneur, Fuji Health Science, functional ingredients, marine ingredients, microalgae, nutraceutical, spirulina • No Comments

Cyanotech Announces Publication of Peer-reviewed Publication Covering Spirulina’s Benefits on Immunity, Anti-Viral, Cardio & Cancer Prevention

Posted On: September 15, 2010

Cyanotech announces the publication of a peer-reviewed publication which examines the growing body of evidence for Spirulina’s benefits in the areas of:

• Immune System Enhancement
• Anti-Viral Activity
• Cardiovascular Health
• Cancer Prevention

The wealth of research for Spirulina in these four vital areas is reaching critical mass, and the Cyanotech personnel who authored this paper make a strong case for the use of Spirulina to benefit people concerned with these key health issues. This article, “Potential Health Benefits of Spirulina Microalgae” (Capelli and Cysewski, 2010), which appeared in the last issue of NutraFoods is available as a PDF and at the company’s website www.cyanotech.com

From Issue 11 • Categories: Tags: algae, Aquapreneur, Cyanotech, marine extract, marine ingredients, microalgae, nutraceutical, seaweed, spirulina • No Comments

BioCentric Energy Holdings announced multi-million dollar contract with Biocen Natural Products Development

Posted On: August 17, 2010

A multi-million dollar contract was signed between Daniel Kennedy, CEO and President of Biocen Natural Development Group (Pink Sheets:BNPD), a Nevada health drink company, and BEHL President, Monique Berry. The Nevada company, BNPD, is a public company consisting of a board of directors, a sales and marketing team and distribution outlets.

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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From Issue 11 • Categories: Tags: algae, Aquapreneur, astaxanthin, bioprocessing, chlorella, cosmeceuticals, functional food, functional ingredients, marine ingredient, marine ingredients, seaweed, spirulina • No Comments

Nutrient-Rich Algae from Chad Could Help Fight Malnutrition

Posted On: August 4, 2010

A nutrient-rich indigenous produce holds out the hope of a better life for the impoverished women who harvest it on the edges of Lake Chad, and may also one day make a contribution to fighting malnutrition.

Under a $1.4 million project funded by the European Union and run by FAO the women are gathering and processing increasing quantities of a remarkable produce known locally as Dihé, a variety of the blue-green algae called Spirulina.

Dihé is a rich source of protein, iron and betacarotene and can enhance the nutritional value of diets that are poor in these nutrients.

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From Issue 11 • Categories: Tags: algae, functional ingredients, marine ingredients, omega 3, spirulina • No Comments

Key Constituent in Spirulina “Phycocyanin” shows Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Hyperalgesic action

Posted On: June 1, 2009

The latest research finds that Phycocyanin has anti-inflammatory activity through the suppression of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha and the Cox-2 enzyme. The researchers went on to say that this anti-inflammatory mechanism “may contribute, at least in part, to its anti-hyperalgesic activity.”

Source: Cyanotech

From Issue 5 • Categories: Tags: algae, marine biotechnology, marine ingredient, spirulina • No Comments