Columbia, Maryland and
Indianapolis, Indiana
May 29, 2008
Dow AgroSciences LLC and
Martek Biosciences Corporation today announced a
collaborative agreement to jointly develop and commercialize a
canola seed that produces the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid).
Under the terms of the agreement, Martek and Dow AgroSciences
will co-develop the canola seed, which will produce a DHA-rich
canola oil that will be part of Dow AgroSciences’ “next
generation” of food industry oils. The intent of the
collaboration is to develop a DHA-rich canola oil which would
strengthen Martek's position as a leading producer and marketer
of DHA-enriched oils and powders and complement Dow
AgroSciences’ current Omega-9 Oils platform which is being
widely adopted by the food industry to remove trans fat and
reduce saturated fat in food products. Dow AgroSciences and
Martek anticipate a multi-year effort to produce this new
healthy oil, which when commercialized will be marketed to the
food industry.
DHA omega-3 is a long-chain fatty acid that serves as the
primary structural fatty acid found in the brain and the eyes,
and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout
life. There is a large and growing body of scientific evidence
demonstrating that people of all ages, from infants to aging
adults, benefit from an adequate supply of DHA omega-3 in the
diet. Scientific reviews highlight the importance of DHA omega-3
in proper brain and eye development and function, and clinical
studies are underway to evaluate the role of DHA in decreasing
the prevalence of certain neurological disorders. Yet despite
its importance, Americans have among the lowest dietary intakes
of DHA omega-3 in the world.
Today DHA is primarily sourced from algal fermentation and fish
oil. Production of DHA in canola will allow for a more
cost-effective vegetarian supply for use in certain food
applications.
“Nutritionists are now recommending that people increase their
consumption of DHA, as most consumers don’t get enough in their
diets today,” said Daniel R. Kittle, Ph.D, global R&D leader and
vice president, Dow AgroSciences. “Martek, with its strong
portfolio in omega-3 fatty acids, will be a great addition to
the continued development of our rapidly growing canola and
sunflower Healthy Oils platform.”
“As the leading innovator in DHA science and technology, Martek
is pleased to partner with agricultural leader Dow AgroSciences,
to combine our unique technologies and intellectual property for
the creation of an oilseed source of DHA, a nutrient that is
important to human health throughout the lifecycle,” said Steve
Dubin, Martek CEO. “Dow AgroSciences’ expertise and commitment
to healthy nutritional solutions complements Martek’s own values
and strengths, making this an ideal collaboration.”
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Dow AgroSciences LLC (NYSE: Dow), based in Indianapolis,
Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines
the power of science and technology with the "Human Element” to
constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow
AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop
protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and
agricultural biotechnology to serve the world's growing
population. Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned
subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $3.8 billion. Learn
more at www.dowagro.com. To
learn about Omega-9 Oils go to
www.dowagro.com/omega9oils/.
Martek Biosciences Corporation (NASDAQ: MATK) is a leader in the
innovation and development of DHA omega-3 products that promote
health and wellness through every stage of life. The company
produces life'sDHA™, a sustainable and vegetarian source of the
omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), for use in foods,
beverages, infant formula, and supplements. The company also
markets life'sARA™ (arachidonic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid,
from a sustainable, vegetarian source, for use in infant
formula. For more information on Martek Biosciences Corporation,
visit http://www.martek.com/.
For a complete listing of life'sDHA products, visit
http://www.lifesdha.com/.
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