Phosphagenics: GRAS Status Opens Door to U.S. Food Industry

19/03/08 Phosphagenics Limited have announced that an independent panel of food safety experts unanimously concluded that Phosphagenics' patented Phospha E is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). This comes as a result of the panel critically evaluating data and information pertinent to the use of Phospha E in breakfast cereals, juice beverages and table fats.

Phospha E is a patented derivative of vitamin E with superior qualities, such as greater absorption and activity. In pre-clinical studies, Phospha E, when given orally, has been shown to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, inhibit the formation of arterial plaques and suppress the main inflammatory pathways involved in metabolic syndrome (a condition which markedly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes).

The Company is preparing a GRAS notification to inform the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") of the expert panel's conclusion that Phosphagenics' Phospha E is GRAS. If the FDA has no further comment, GRAS designation allows manufacturers to produce and sell foods that include Phospha E in the U.S. food industry.

"GRAS status extends the permitted use of Phospha E beyond the nutritional supplement market and into the substantial U.S. food industry, and represents a tremendous commercial opportunity for Phosphagenics," said Harry Rosen, Phosphagenics' President and CEO.

Phosphagenics is a Melbourne-based, globally driven biotechnology company focused on the discovery of new and cost effective ways to enhance the bioavailability, activity, safety and delivery of proven pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.  Phosphagenics' core technology is built around the science and application of phosphorylation, a process where the addition of a phosphate group has been found to enhance the bioavailability, activity and safety of existing pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, as well as to assist in the production of drug delivery platforms.