Epax to unveil “world’s first” VLC-PUFA ingredient for healthy aging

Epax, a leader in marine-based nutritional ingredients, introduces Epax Evolve 05, the world’s first commercially available very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLC-PUFA) product. Set to make its debut at Vitafoods Europe in May. Epax states the ingredient is positioned to transform the healthy aging sector and offer opportunities in other markets.

Due to its ability to deliver approximately ten times the VLC-PUFA content of standard fish oil, the company believes Epax Evolve 05 represents a groundbreaking advancement in marine nutraceuticals and will set a new standard in omega-3 innovation.

“VLC-PUFAs offer enormous potential in areas like vision and healthy aging,” says Bjørn Refsum, CEO of Epax. “However, research into their benefits was previously hindered by a lack of material containing VLC-fatty acids in significant amounts.”

Health benefits of VLC-PFUA

VLC-PUFAs are a specialized family of omega-3 fatty acids that play a critical role in several aspects of overall health. Pre-clinical research has linked their supplementation to improved vision, while deficiencies have been associated with age-related declines in bone density and muscle strength. 

Additionally, emerging data suggest potential benefits for skin health and male fertility.

“We’re proud to have been able to develop a VLC concentrate that opens the door for further research and brings a new family of valuable fatty acids to the marketplace,” Refsum underscores. “The stage is set for a new era for omega-3.”

Regulatory approvals

Epax emphasizes that it now holds several patents in this field. Epax Evolve 05 is now presented as part of its NovusLipid range, which features innovative marine-derived ingredients. However, Epax reveals that, unlike many novel marine-based ingredients, Epax Evolve 05 has already cleared key regulatory hurdles. 

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority, acting on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority, determined that the product is not a Novel Food, allowing its sale across the EU.

In the US, the ingredient has attained self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status following rigorous genotoxicity and toxicology studies, culminating in two peer-reviewed publications.

Commercial availability marks a significant step forward, and Epax says this will enable researchers to utilize the ingredient for clinical trials and intervention studies.

Ingredient development

Epax highlights that it has been at the forefront of VLC-PUFA research for the past decade.

The company states that it first identified trace amounts of these fatty acids in fish oil and subsequently developed proprietary methods to concentrate them.

Epax will officially introduce Epax Evolve 05 at Vitafoods Europe 2025 (May 20–22) in Barcelona, Spain. The company will showcase the ingredient at booth #3J58, and offer attendees insights into the science and potential applications of this “pioneering” marine lipid.