Calgary, Alberta
March 14, 2008
SemBioSys Genetics Inc.
(TSX: SBS), a biotechnology company developing a portfolio of
therapeutic proteins for
metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, today announced that
Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.,
made an important step forward in the commercialization of High
GLA Safflower Oil. Arcadia entered into an exclusive global
alliance with
Bioriginal Food and Science
Corp., to market and distribute High GLA Safflower Oil, an
omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid with proven heath benefits,
as a nutritional supplement and food ingredient. SemBioSys was
contracted by Arcadia to utilize Arcadia's proprietary genes and
SemBioSys' promoters and safflower transformation technology to
produce and deliver safflower seed lines containing more than 40
percent GLA. Under the agreement, SemBioSys receives milestone
payments upon the successful scale-up of GLA safflower lines as
well as royalties from commercial sales.
GLA (gamma linolenic acid) is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty
acid which, along with omega-3 fatty acids, has demonstrated
health benefits. GLA's clinically-validated benefits include
anti-inflammatory effects and improved
skin health and appearance. Existing commercial sources of GLA,
evening primrose oil and borage oil, contain 10 or 20-23 percent
GLA, respectively.
With a GLA content of 40 percent, Arcadia's high-GLA safflower
oil would significantly reduce the daily consumption of GLA oil
capsules and make it more convenient and affordable for
consumers. According to ICIS Chemical Business Americas, the
U.S. market for GLA oils is currently valued at more than US$100
million. With a more convenient, more highly concentrated source
of GLA, Arcadia believes the market can grow beyond this figure.
"Nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals are a growing market
as health conscious consumers are increasingly choosing to
augment their diet with nutrients that have proven health
benefits. Arcadia's high-GLA safflower
oil is a convenient and cost-effective source of GLA compared to
existing alternatives," said Andrew Baum, President and CEO of
SemBioSys.
Calgary, Alberta-based SemBioSys Genetics Inc. is a
biotechnology company developing protein-based pharmaceuticals
for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The Company's lead
pharmaceutical candidates are recombinant human insulin to serve
the rapidly expanding global diabetes market and Apo AI, a next
generation cardiovascular drug. In addition to its
pharmaceutical products, SemBioSys is developing a series of
non-pharmaceutical products addressing human topical,
nutritional oils and agricultural biotechnology
markets.
Based in Davis, California, with additional facilities in
Seattle, Wash. and Phoenix, Ariz., Arcadia Biosciences is an
agricultural biotechnology company focused on the development of
agricultural products that improve the environment and enhance
human health.
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