COLUMBIA, Md., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Martek Biosciences Corporation (Nasdaq: MATK) announced today that Abbott Laboratories' Ross Products Division will launch the first and only protein hydrolysate infant formula with iron in the U.S. to be supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed its review of Ross' Alimentum(R) Advance(R), a product that will contain a blend of Martek's DHA and ARA. The formula is expected to be available in stores in a ready-to-feed form beginning this summer.

Martek's oils contain the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), DHA and ARA, both of which are found in mother's breast-milk. Clinical studies have demonstrated numerous benefits for those infants receiving DHA and ARA-supplemented formula. Martek's proprietary blend of DHA and ARA is the only source of these nutrients that the FDA has cleared for use in infant formula.

"Martek strongly supports the expansion of DHA and ARA-supplemented infant formula lines to accommodate all infants with special dietary needs," said Henry "Pete" Linsert, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Martek Biosciences Corporation. "This new hypoallergenic formula will provide the significant benefits of DHA and ARA to infants with severe food allergies or colic due to protein sensitivity."

Martek Biosciences Corporation develops, manufactures and sells products from microalgae. The Company's products include: (1) specialty, nutritional oils for infant formula that aid in the development of the eyes and central nervous system in newborns; (2) nutritional supplements and food ingredients that may play a beneficial role in promoting mental and cardiovascular health throughout life; and (3) new, powerful fluorescent markers for diagnostics, rapid miniaturized screening, and gene and protein detection.