Seraphina Therapeutics discovers new fatty acid, eyeing C15:0 supplement formulation

23 Aug 2022 --- A Seraphina Therapeutics study has found the “second-ever” discovered full-acting endocannabinoid pentadecanoylcarnitine, referred to as PDC. The US Navy Marine Mammal Program, Naval Warfare Information Center Pacific funded study reveals that the second endogenous cannabinoid to be discovered relies on the fatty acid C15:0.

According to Seraphina Therapeutics, the recently identified endocannabinoid PDC is produced in the body to control pain, inflammation, mood and sleep.

“We found that a newly recognized essential fatty acid, called C15:0, is used by our bodies to make the second-ever discovered full-acting endocannabinoid, called PDC,” Stephanie Venn-Watson, CEO and co-founder of Seraphina Therapeutics, tells NutritionInsight.

Tackling diabetes and mental health
The study found that C15:0 itself and a C15:0 metabolite exhibit pleiotropic effects with expected broad health advantages, similar to other critical fatty acids. The company adds that pentadecanoylcarnitine, in particular, possesses strong pro-endocannabinoid, serotonin-supporting and antihistamine properties.

These properties are relevant to enhancing physical and mental health, including its capacity to control inflammation, pain and mood. Over 50 studies have linked C15:0 to better health, including better metabolic, heart and liver health, Venn-Watson explains.

“Our leading hypothesis is that C15:0 nutritional deficiencies may be driving the global pandemics of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver disease. We are now exploring the potential role of low PDC levels, caused by nutritional C15:0 deficiencies, on the rising global mental health crisis.”

According to Seraphina Therapeutics, the evidence is mounting that C15:0 may be an essential fatty acid.“This study’s findings are increasing the urgency to revisit current nutritional guidelines, which continue to recommend decreasing the dietary intake of all saturated fats,” she adds.

Due to decreased circulating C15:0 concentrations and a population-wide decline in whole fat milk consumption, further research is required to assess any potential connections between the rise in allergens, mental health issues and sleep disorders globally, including C15:0 nutritional deficiencies.

Endocannabinoids “touted as holy grail”
Venn-Watson continues to add: “This discovery is exciting because endocannabinoids have been touted as the holy grail to the whole body and mind health due to their numerous benefits, including regulating inflammation, pain, mood and sleep, as well as supporting brain health.”

While studies further evaluating PDC’s health benefits are underway, Seraphina Therapeutics’ current focus is on how to best leverage C15:0 to help consumers safely produce and boost our PDC levels, explains Venn-Watson.

“Thus, to help consumers benefit from both C15:0 and PDC, we are currently focusing on expanding use of FA15 as a dietary supplement, F&B ingredient and a means to improve global health.”

Discovering PDC
Seraphina Therapeutics notes that PDC is a crucial molecule created in bodies’ cells by combining C15:0 with carnitine, which has been identified. The human endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors were fully activated by PDC when it was evaluated for potential therapeutic effects.

PDC is produced by our bodies to control pain, inflammation, mood and sleep.Although the study indicates that PDC is a more stable and long-lasting metabolite, more research is needed. The current study established that PDC has direct, comprehensive and dose-dependent positive effects on numerous human cell systems imitating various disease states, in addition to showing that a diet richer in C15:0 resulted in elevated PDC levels.

“While studies further evaluating PDC’s health benefits are underway, our current focus is on how to best leverage C15:0 to raise PDC levels safely,” stresses Venn-Watson. “Our discovery that we can increase PDC levels by increasing C15:0 intake provides a tangible path to better physical and mental health.”

Omega 3 comparison
Seraphina Therapeutics’ FA15 ingredient – a fortifier in plant-based milk, plant-based meats and nutritional bars – received the Generally Recognized as Safe certification. Seraphina Therapeutics’ odd-chain saturated fat C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid) was safer and more effective at repairing the body’s cells than eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

“Based on the mounting science around C15:0’s health benefits, we developed a 99% pure, stable and vegan-friendly C15:0 powder ingredient called FA15, launching our first consumer product, a daily C15:0 supplement, called fatty15,” says Venn-Watson.

“The mounting science supporting C15:0’s health benefits, including the latest study revealing PDC as a beneficial C15:0 metabolite, strengthens C15:0’s ability to improve individuals’ health meaningfully. This could enable C15:0 to parallel the current omega 3 markets.”

Compared to omega 3’s EPA, the company’s study found that C15:0 had an additional 26 positive effects on immunological function, gut health, heart health, joint health, skin health, red blood cell health and lung health.

By Nicole Kerr