Weekly Roundup: Two Aker Biomarine krill patents deemed unpatentable in US court, no single diet can eliminate belly fat

24 Aug 2018 --- The weekly roundup is NutritionInsight's collection of global nutrition stories from the past week. No single diet can specifically eliminate belly fat research has found, but certain healthful traits can reduce or prevent abdominal obesity. Sabinsa has added two new US staff members and NP Nutra has expanded its warehouse space in California. The European Commission has authorized microalgae oil, Schizochytrium, for novel food status and the US patent authorities have found that patents related to krill and its production held by Aker Biomarine are unpatentable, following petitions from Rimfrost AS. While, DSM has made Fortune Magazine’s 2018 Change the World list for the third consecutive year.

In brief: Research studies
Despite advice often found online, no one diet can specifically eliminate belly fat, according to research published in ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. However, certain diet characteristics were identified as helpful in reducing or preventing abdominal obesity: low intake of trans and saturated fats and a high intake of fiber. Such recommendations are consistent with heart-healthy diets, such as the DASH and Mediterranean diet. According to the most recent data, 54 percent of Americans have abdominal obesity, while the estimated average waist circumference is growing.

In brief: Acquisitions, mergers and expansions
Sabinsa has two new additions to its staff in the US. Dr. Lugang Bai has joined the company as R&D and QA Manager at Sabinsa’s Manufacturing Facility in Payson, US. Dr. Bai’s background is heavy in industrial R&D and includes nutraceutical formulation, medical device and Solid State Lighting (SSL). Manisha Maharir joins Sabinsa as Sales Manager for Arizona, New Mexico, following her strong interest in Ayurvedic medicine.

Nature’s Power Nutraceuticals Corp (NP Nutra) has negotiated a further expansion of its premises in California, taking over an adjoining building in Gardena. In 2016, the company doubled its warehouse space and this new lease means that within two years, NP Nutra will have tripled its warehouse space. “This strong start to the year was a clear indication to us that the company will easily surpass its 2017 growth projection of 22 percent. We found it necessary to take steps to support this growth fully and consequently, we are in the process of evaluating all our resources and increasing staff,” says Mark Campbell, Chief Operation Officer.

In brief: Product launches and certifications
The European Commission (EC) has approved microalgae oil, Schizochytrium, novel food status. This approval benefits BASF whose human nutrition range, Newtrition, produces algae DHA products from a pure source for use in infant nutrition, dietary supplements and food. Stephan Saum, Head of Global Technical Marketing Human Nutrition at BASF tells NutritionInsight, “ We are very pleased about the EC’s decision to extend the use of microalgae oil as it reflects the vital benefits of its use as an alternative source for DHA products, which are suitable for consumers with vegetarian diets or fish allergies.” “As DHA will soon be a mandatory ingredient for infant and follow-on formula in the European Union, BASF provides premium DHA Algal Oil as well as Dry n-3 DHA 11A powder backed up by the application and scientific support needed to meet the stringent requirements for infant nutrition,” he adds.

Gelita's ingredient Fortibone, which stimulates bone cells to increase the synthesis of bone components such as collagen, has been awarded the FI Innovation Award in the Functional Ingredient category.

In brief: Miscellaneous
The US patent authorities have found that patents related to krill and its production held by Aker Biomarine are unpatentable, following petitions from Rimfrost AS, a Norwegian biotechnology company which produces krill oil. The two patents, which the US authorities have now invalidated, were used by Aker Biomarine to pursue legal action against Rimfrost in the Delaware court and in the US International Trade Commission (ITC). Aker maintained that Rimfrost’s process for extracting oil from krill and the resulting Rimfrost krill oil infringed the Aker patents. In response to Aker’s allegations, Rimfrost asserted that the Aker patents are not valid, and also filed four petitions with the US Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board asking the Patent Office to initiate proceedings to invalidate the two Aker patents. Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine tells NutritionInsight that the overall outcome of the hearing was expected as, “we became aware of the weaknesses in these two patents and have since upgraded this particular patent family,” and, “Aker BioMarine will not hesitate in enforcing our patent rights when and if we see clear examples of infringement of our Intellectual Property, making sure that our customers enjoy the full benefits of our innovations.”

Royal DSM has again made Fortune Magazine’s 2018 Change the World list, an annual recognition of companies that have a positive social impact through their core business strategy. DSM was featured for the third consecutive year. Also this week, Sustainalytics recognized DSM when it named the company as the leader in ESG (environmental, social and governance) within the chemicals industry for the second year in a row.

By Laxmi Haigh

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