Danisco and NattoPharma Sign Global Agreement on MenaQ7

Danisco is one of the world’s leading suppliers of food ingredients and our partnership will allow for high-volume production and supply of our unique product MenaQ7 to the fast-growing food fortification industry.

11/02/09 Danisco Bio Actives and NattoPharma have entered into a long-term global supply, marketing and license agreement securing Danisco rights as NattoPharma’s sole partner in marketing the natural vitamin K2 product MenaQ7 to the global food industry.

MenaQ7 contains one of the most bioavailable forms of natural vitamin K2, known as menaquinone-7. It is extracted from natto, the traditional Japanese fermented soy food, which has been consumed in Japan for hundreds of years for its health benefits.

‘MenaQ7 complements our portfolio of health ingredients and fits well with our strategic focus on Health & Nutrition,’ comments Fabienne Saadane-Oaks, President of Danisco Bio Actives. ‘The agreement will contribute to strengthening our range of products for cardiovascular health in addition to opening a new platform for bone health.’

‘The agreement represents a major commercial breakthrough for NattoPharma,’ states Thomas Christensen, President and Chief Executive Officer of NattoPharma, a Norway-based company and exclusive supplier of MenaQ7. ‘Danisco is one of the world’s leading suppliers of food ingredients and our partnership will allow for high-volume production and supply of our unique product MenaQ7 to the fast-growing food fortification industry.’

The agreement does not cover distribution in Norway, where NattoPharma will market the product directly to food manufacturers. The parties have agreed not to disclose any details of the agreement.

Studies during the past 30 years reveal that menaquinone-7 enhances the binding of calcium in bones as well as removes calcium from the arterial vessel wall, a mechanism known as the calcium paradox.

Clinically shown to reduce the calcium level in the artery walls, vitamin K2 contributes to fighting atherosclerosis, one of the most common forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Atherosclerosis is characterised by the calcification of the arteries, a progressive condition that may lead to arterial sclerosis and, subsequently, angina and stroke. Both abnormal calcium and lipid metabolisms play an important role in the development of this disease.

Furthermore, extensive documentation shows that people consuming natto, and more specifically menaquinone-7, have less osteoporosis and a reduced risk of bone fractures.