Aquasearch receives microalgae processing patent

The Australian Patent Office has awarded Aquasearch Inc. (Kailua-Kona, HI) a patent for the company's novel microalgae production technology.

The patent ("Method of control of Haematococcus species growth process") describes optimal methods for commercial-scale production of the Haematococcus species of microalgae. Haematococcus is the primary source of astaxanthin, a potent anti-oxidant and the main ingredient in Aquasearch's human nutritional supplement, AstaFactor.

According to Aquasearch, AstaFactor displayed up to 550 times the anti-oxidant effect of Vitamin E in certain tests. The product's main component, astaxanthin, is naturally stable and highly bio-available, and was tested for human safety in a clinical study. AstaFactor is currently available in softgel form.

Aquasearch Inc. is a marine biotechnology company that develops and commercializes natural products from microalgae using its proprietary, computer-controlled photobioreactor technology known as the Aquasearch Growth Module.

For more information: Aquasearch Inc., 73-4460 Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy., Suite 110, Kailua Kona, HI 96740. Tel: 808-326-9301. Fax: 808-326-9401.

Edited by Jim Pomager
Assistant Editor, Pharmaceutical Online