Epax launches world’s first commercially available VLC-PUFA product
Epax’s new GRAS- and non-novel food-approved EPAX® Evolve 05 concentrate contains approximately ten times the VLC-PUFAs found in crude fish oil, opening new research possibilities in vision and healthy ageing applications.
Norwegian marine oil specialist Epax has brought to market the world’s first commercially available VLC-PUFA (very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid) product, marking a significant advancement in omega-3 science. The new product, EPAX Evolve 05, has been developed following the company’s discovery ten years ago that fish oil contains small amounts of these valuable fatty acids.
Regulatory approval secured
The patent-protected concentrate has already received important regulatory recognition. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority, acting on behalf of EFSA, has determined that EPAX® Evolve 05 is not a Novel Food, permitting its marketing within the EU. In the United States, the product has achieved self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status after expert panel assessment.
Bjørn Refsum, CEO of Epax, said: “VLC-PUFAs offer enormous potential in areas like vision and healthy ageing. However, research into their benefits was previously hindered by a lack of material containing VLC-fatty acids in significant amounts. We’re proud to have been able to develop a VLC-concentrate that opens the door for further research and brings a new family of valuable fatty acids to the marketplace.”
Scientific foundations
The development of EPAX Evolve 05 was supported by extensive research. To achieve GRAS status in the US, Epax conducted genotoxicity and repeat dose toxicology studies, which resulted in two peer-reviewed papers published in toxicology journals. Pre-clinical evidence suggests several potentially valuable applications for VLC-PUFAs. Studies have associated supplementation with improved sight, while depletion has been linked to age-related phenomena including reduced bone density and decreased muscle strength. Additional research indicates potential benefits for skin health and male fertility.
Research support programme
With commercial availability now established, Epax has announced it will support academic researchers by providing samples of EPAX Evolve 05 for intervention studies, hopefully accelerating scientific understanding of these compounds.
The new product forms part of the company’s NovusLipid range, which showcases emerging marine ingredients with promising health applications.
Historical innovation
Epax’s development continues the company’s long history of innovation in marine oils. Founded in 1838 with the production of cod liver oil, the company has pioneered multiple technological advances, including the concentration of fish oil as ethyl ester and the re-esterification of oils back to TG-form.
The Ålesund, Norway production facility maintains stringent quality certifications, including approval by the US FDA for manufacture of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and by the Norwegian Medicines Agency (Legemiddelverket) for production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.
For more information, visit: https://www.epax.com
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