Allendale, NJ- September 8, 2006 – Lonza will host a seminar presented by Bryan Rodriguez at the SupplySide West tradeshow on October 20, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Rodriguez, Technical Marketing and Scientific Affairs Manager for Lonza’s nutrition group, will present findings on Larch Arabinogalactan (LAG), a polysaccharide known to beneficially impact the immune system. The seminar, entitled, “Larch Arabinogalactan’s Impact on the Immune System: A Clinical Perspective”, will be held on Friday, October 20th at 2:30pm on the show floor, booth # 7083, of The Venetian and Sands Expo Center.

LAG is known to support healthy immune system function, increasing beneficial immune cells such as white blood cells, without stimulating pro-inflammatory cells. It is highly effective in promoting in vitro and in vivo macrophage proliferation and is backed by clinical research to support structure/function claims.

A water-soluble polysaccharide from the Larix species of trees, LAG has been demonstrated to have a beneficial impact on the immune system. A number of in vitro trials investigating LAG’s interaction with immune cells such as lymphocytes, NK cell and monocytes have demonstrated that LAG has the ability to increase the number and/or activity of immune cells. Also, recent in vivo studies in animals and humans have demonstrated LAG’s beneficial impact on the immune system. A review of the in vitro and in vivo data will be presented, along with a discussion on the direction of future immune clinical trials with LAG.

A natural, bioactive compound for use in human and animal nutrition, personal care and industrial applications, LAG is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). It has been found to offer many significant benefits, the most important ones being in the fields of immune enhancement and digestive health. LAG products provide multifunctional properties either in stand-alone products or, when combined with other ingredients, to enhance product performance.

Rodriguez recently joined Lonza following its strategic acquisition of Larex, Inc.’s arabinogalactan business. He brings over 10 years of food science and nutrition knowledge and technical experience with LAG to Lonza. Rodriguez worked with researchers to develop and monitor protocols for the human clinical trials conducted with LAG. Rodriguez’s responsibilities include working directly with customers to develop and optimize ingredient formulations. Rodriguez has delivered technical presentations at industry conferences and to customers, which educate and increase awareness of LAG and its health benefits. Rodriguez is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, with a degree in Food Science and Nutrition.
 
About Lonza
Lonza Inc. is part of Lonza Group, a chemical and biotechnology company driven by the life sciences. Headquartered in Switzerland, Lonza operates 23 production and R&D sites around the world and generated sales of CHF 2.52 billion in 2005. Its 6400 employees are passionately committed to delivering sustainable value to their customers. Lonza is one of the leading custom manufacturers of chemical intermediates, active ingredients and biopharmaceuticals for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. On the basis of organic chemicals and biotechnology platforms, Lonza creates value-added solutions for the nutrition, hygiene & personal care, wood & water treatment and industrial specialty markets. Lonza also offers polymer intermediates, resins and compounds. Lonza is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange. Further information can be found on our website www.lonza.com.

For further information please contact:
Thomas Brancato
Head of NAFTA Sales and Marketing – Nutrition Portfolio
Lonza Inc.
Tel +1 201 316 9304
Fax +1 201 696 3449
tom.brancato@lonza.com

Melanie Disa
Corporate Communications Senior Manager
Lonza Inc.
Tel +1 201 316 9413
Fax +1 201 696 3533
melanie.disa@lonza.com