Valensa International (Eustis, FL USA) announced today that it has reached agreement with Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. (Laval, Quebec, CANADA) for an exclusive, worldwide license to incorporate and market Neptune Krill Oil NKO(R) in condition-specific dietary supplement formulas targeting eye health and joint health. Valensa plans on using the unique biofunctional properties of the highly bioavailable Omega-3 phospholipids in NKO(R) in conjunction with several of its proprietary ingredients such as Zanthin(R) Natural Astaxanthin, extending its current platform of patented eye health formulations. Valensa has also developed and applied for IP protection for a new and revolutionary range of joint and eye health formulations featuring NKO(R) and other ingredients. Valensa is in discussions with customers and plans to launch the new patent-pending eye and joint health formulations during the first quarter of 2010. The company is currently conducting clinical trials to demonstrate the effectiveness of these new formulations. The wholesale US markets for eye health and joint health formulations are estimated at $60 million and $712 million respectively.

According to Dr. Rudi E. Moerck, President and CEO of Valensa, NKO(R) is an ideal ingredient for the development of new supplement formulations for the company's signature eye health portfolio as well as the joint health market. "In the area of Omega-3s, NKO(R) is by far the most effective product from a bioavailability standpoint and NKO(R) is manufactured to quality standards that are in line with Valensa's previously stated commitment to the market. Based on the completed clinical trials on NKO(R) to date, and the new trials we are currently conducting, we are excited about the opportunity to work with Neptune Technologies to market and promote truly innovative eye health and joint health formulations," he said. Moerck went on to point out that the addition of NKO(R) to the company's product portfolio extends the range of specialty Omega-3 products, which includes its Tresalbio(TM), Chia Gold and ChiaMax chia-based offerings, to the nutraceutical and functional foods markets.

NKO(R): A Better Omega-3

Among the many forms of Omega-3 on the market today, marine oils enjoy a special position because of their levels of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and the number of clinical trials proving efficacy. NKO(R), like fish oil, contains EPA and DHA - but in a superior, more bioavailable form. In fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids are found as triglycerides whereas in NKO(R) these nutrients are primarily present as EPA and DHA bound phospholipids - enabling far greater bioavailability. Studies show that human cells will readily absorb 95-98% of NKO(R) phospholipids versus only 65% absorption of fish oil fatty acids. This makes NKO(R) significantly more potent, offering possible additional therapeutic effects at lower dosages. NKO(R) also has a significant advantage over fish oil in ORAC-based antioxidant potential. NKO(R) is a source of astaxanthin, an ultra-potent antioxidant that protects cells and membranes from oxidative damage and, in combination with phospholipids, is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. From a consumer acceptance standpoint, NKO(R) is much more easily tolerated - virtually eliminating "burp back," which is common with fish oil.

According to Moerck, the upside potential for NKO(R)-based formulations from Valensa is substantial. "In incorporating NKO(R) into proprietary eye health and joint health formulations, we are addressing a range of market needs - from enhanced efficacy and performance to consumer preference for pleasant-tasting, small-dosage forms that are easy to use on a regular basis. This is a remarkable opportunity and we look forward to coming to market with exciting new products," he said. For more information, visit http://www.valensa.com.