Arcadia Biosciences and Bioriginal Food and Science Corp. Enter Strategic Alliance

25/02/08 Arcadia Biosciences, Inc., an agricultural technology company focused on products that benefit the environment and human health, and Bioriginal Food and Science Corp., a global essential fatty acids (EFA) solutions provider, today announced the formation of a strategic partnership to market High GLA Safflower Oil. Under the agreement, Arcadia will produce High GLA Safflower Oil and Bioriginal will have exclusive marketing and sales rights.

GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid with health benefits that are similar and complementary to the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Clinically-validated benefits include anti-inflammatory effects and improved skin health and appearance. Recent research indicates that GLA supplementation may play a key role maintaining weight loss (Schirmer, M.A. and Phinney, S.D., American Society For Nutrition, J. Nutr. 137:1430-1435, June 2007).

Currently, evening primrose oil and borage oil are the two main sources of dietary GLA, containing 10 percent and 20-23 percent GLA respectively. A number of studies estimate that therapeutic GLA levels may range up to 500 mg daily, and research suggests 500 to 2,000 mg of GLA daily may provide pharmacological benefits. Consumption at these levels would require a source with a high content of GLA for consumers to conveniently derive these benefits. The use of Arcadia's GLA safflower oil, with up to 40 percent GLA, would significantly reduce the daily consumption of capsules and make GLA more convenient and affordable for consumers.

"Bioriginal has clearly staked out its leadership position in the global essential fatty acid markets. The company's established distribution network and marketing expertise will help expedite availability of High GLA Safflower Oil to consumers who want the health benefits that GLA can provide," said Eric Rey, president and CEO of Arcadia.

"GLA is a proven, powerful essential fatty acid that has been significantly underutilized. Arcadia's High GLA Safflower Oil can offer consumers a cost-effective and more convenient alternative to current GLA sources and could increase overall GLA consumption significantly," said Joe Vidal, CEO of Bioriginal.

The companies expect to have commercial quantities of High GLA Safflower available for sale in the fourth quarter of 2008.