NextFerm files patent for astaxanthin-producing yeast strains

27 Jan 2020 --- Israeli biotech company NextFerm Technologies has filed a patent for its natural astaxanthin, branded as Astaferm. The company touts its novel composition as a natural, GMO-free antioxidant, being the first astaxanthin produced from yeast for human consumption. The astaxanthin space currently offers ample possibilities to address consumers’ surging demand for natural and clean label products.

“The natural astaxanthin market is mostly geared toward human nutrition, where astaxanthin is considered the most potent antioxidant available. As such, it addresses anti-inflammation and lipid-peroxidation, which are at the root of multiple health concerns related to cardiovascular disease, muscle recovery, cognitive function or healthy skin,” Elzaphan Hotam, Vice President Global Marketing & CEO of NextFerm USA, tells NutritionInsight.

The patent allows NextFerm to share its recent study findings with its customers, showing the first evidence of its high antioxidative capacity when compared to algae-derived astaxanthin, Hotam affirms. 

Haematococcus pluvalis aggregate 

“These findings support the benefits of a new and different natural source of astaxanthin, encouraging brands and consumers to embrace it and enjoy its huge advantages in terms of potency and flavor. As with other natural sources of astaxanthin, it is safe without any known health risks,” he continues. 

Specifically, the studies indicate that consuming Astaferm may prevent blood lipid peroxidation. “These initial findings serve as a base for clinical collaboration with leading customers. The protection of cell lipids from oxidation is known to be related to the prevention of many inflammatory diseases and NextFerm intends to continue and explore this important direction,” adds Dr. Tzafra Cohen, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of R&D at NextFerm.

Algae versus yeast
The majority of astaxanthin available today for human consumption is based on algae astaxanthin. Due to its poor flavor and odor qualities, algae-based astaxanthin is mostly limited to softgel applications. However, Astaferm’s astaxanthin-producing yeast strains make for a flavorless and odorless ingredient. “Therefore, it is easy to formulate in a variety of applications, such as gummies or powder pre-mixes,” Hotam further explains. 

In the algae-based astaxanthin space, AstaReal specializes in its astaxanthin product based on Haematococcus pluvialis green freshwater microalgae. Dubbed “nature’s most powerful antioxidant,” Andie Long, Sales and Marketing Manager at AstaReal, explains that astaxanthin is 2.6 times stronger than lutein, 110 times more potent than vitamin E and 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C.

An innovating space?
Natural astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in some algae and increasingly popular in supplements. According to Innova Market Insights data, there has been an average annual growth of 18 percent of product launches tracked with astaxanthin between 2014 and 2018. Among the top ten health claims in products with astaxanthin are eye, skin, bone and muscle health, the market researcher notes. 

Last December, research highlighted that natural astaxanthin safe in doses up to 24 mg per day. However, the researchers called for further studies to be conducted with synthetic astaxanthin, noting it is necessary to establish a different acceptable daily intake (ADI) for the separate forms.

NextFerm is aiming its Astaferm to the North American market and the gummy market as its initial market, he notes. The company will exhibit Astaferm with its self-GRAS approval at the upcoming SupplySide West show.

By Anni Schleicher