Aker BioMarine’s new business segment to commercialize novel supplements for eye and brain health

24 Nov 2020 --- In its “biggest move” since founding, Aker BioMarine is creating Lysoveta, a new business segment devoted to commercializing a supplement of the same name.

The new offering for the eye and brain markets consists of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-bound EPA and DHA from krill oil.

The manufacturer expects to receive regulatory approval for the dietary supplement Lysoveta by the end of 2022.

The company also sees ample commercial opportunities for its krill oil in the pharmaceutical and infant formula segments, where brain and eye health are lucrative categories.

The Lysoveta launch is motivated by a 2014 research paper that identified LPC as a primary carrier molecule of DHA and EPA across the blood-brain barrier – two widely studied fatty acids with an extensive scientific history of supporting cognitive and ocular function.

Because the molecular structure of LPC is very similar to krill oil, Aker BioMarine can scale up production at a fraction of the cost and with a high degree of control.

LPC-DHA/EPA moves through the Mfsd2a transporter to cross the blood- brain barrier.“The large advantage is the starting material. We don’t have to build anything. We can reduce something that we already have,” R&D director Dr. Andreas Storsve tells NutritionInsight during the company’s announcement conference.

Pandemic shifts focus on brain and eye health
The segment launch is particularly timely, considering how increased screen time during the pandemic months have exacerbated ocular health issues. Also, mental health concerns are rising as a result of the isolation caused by lockdown restrictions.

Pre-pandemic, Innova Market Insights data highlights strong average annual growth between 2015 and 2019 of supplement launches with a brain-mood health claim (21 percent) and food, beverage and supplement launches with an eye health claim (20 percent). Interestingly, eye health claims also often appear in tandem with brain health claims.

Krill oil has also been shown to serve more than just the brain and eye sectors. Studies have shown its beneficial effects on triathletes’ endurance performance and Aker BioMarine previously shared the heart health benefits of krill oil with NutritionInsight.

What’s special about LPC?
In the blood barrier, LPC-DHA/EPA molecule attaches to a Mfsd2a transporter to be carried across the outer membrane into the inner leaflet of the endothelial cell to the brain. This “lock-in-key” mechanism is notably facilitated through the presence of LPC.

The molecular structure of krill oil and LPC are fairly similar.The molecule is traditionally made by synthetic chemistry, meaning it normally involves an “arduous” process, says Storsve.

LPC typically has to be made from scratch, which often only yields small quantities that can cost thousands of US dollars per gram.

In Aker BioMarine’s favor, the molecular structure of LPC is very similar to krill oil. “With our starting material, we basically almost have an LPC molecule already,” Storsve explains.

This means that the cost of manufacturing LPC is “just a fraction” compared to the other known ways to make the molecule.

Making LPC affordable
When asked how affordable Lysoveta will become, CEO Matts Johansen tells NutritionInsight that pricing will be oriented around different commercial segments.

“If you look at the brain and eye health space in the US, typical krill oil products on the market are very low, costing about US$20-30 per month per consumer. Typical brain and eye health products cost between US$50-90 per month.”

Krill oil provides Aker BioMarine with a key production advantage to commercializing Lysoveta.Regarding the pharmaceutical and infant formula segments, prices will depend on how many royalties, licenses and equity the company will acquire.

The company is looking to supply free Lysoveta for university collaborations and research projects to “continue to build on the emerging science.”

“With our pole position, our competitive cost profile, strong intellectual property estate and an enormous addressable market, we are looking at the biggest opportunity since the start of Aker BioMarine,” Johansen concludes.

By Anni Schleicher

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