Equateq to target fatty acids with commercial biosynthesis

28 January 2009 22:12  [Source: ICIS news]

SAN FRANCISCO (ICIS news)--Scottish specialty lipids firm Equateq is targeting the lucrative fatty acids market with a proprietary biosynthesis process that makes unique and pure fatty acid compounds, a company official said Wednesday.

“We have an advanced lipid synthesis project that enables us to make fatty acids and derivatives that have never previously been available in the marketplace” on a commercial scale, said Equateq chief executive Adam Kelliher.

The problem in the past with specific fatty acid molecules is their inaccessibility in natural sources.  Often these compounds are found only in trace amounts, or found in natural sources, such as liver, that are difficult to process for commercial use.

“The crucial thing with what we’re doing is that we have commercial scale, we can make these compounds by the ton - that’s the key difference,” said Kelliher, speaking on the sidelines of the Informex USA conference.

Equateq’s biosynthesis technology mimics the body’s natural elongation process in fatty acid production, he said.  This enables the company to manufacture up to 99% pure form product.

“Once all the clinical work gets underway, Equateq will be in a position to deliver certain fatty acids as specific active pharmaceutical ingredients [APIs],” Kelliher said.

The company showcased its latest product, omega-6 DGLA (dihomma-gamma-linolenic acid), at Informex.

Omega-6 DGLA, which has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, was launched in September 2008 for use in skin health products.

To discuss issues facing the chemical industry go to ICIS connect

By: Feliza Mirasol
+1 713 525 2653

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly