LYSAKER, Norway (Dec. 6, 2005) - A new clinical study shows positive effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on postpartum depression (1), a common medical condition that affects 10-15 percent of new mothers and can cause serious issues with a woman's mental health. The study, a randomized dose-ranging pilot trial of Omega-3 fatty acids for post-partum depression, was conducted by M.P. Freeman, J.R. Hibbeln, K.L. Wiesner, B.H Brumbacht, M.Watchman, A.J.Gelenberg.

The EPAX Omega-3 oil used in the clinical study was provided by Epax AS, the leading supplier of concentrated Omega-3 EPA/DHA fatty acids and previously a division of Pronova Biocare AS.
 
"Omega-3 fatty acids were assessed in a double-blind dose-ranging trial. A combination of Omega-3 EPA and DHA fatty acids provided by EPAX AS was utilized," says Marlene P. Freeman, M.D., director of the Women's Mental Health Program and assistant professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. "Subjects in the trial were randomized to 0.5 g, 1.4 g, or 2.8 g per day (N=16).  Among all three doses, patients with postpartum depression improved substantially during the trial. Scores on depression measures decreased by approximately 50 percent, and differences were statistically significant." The Omega-3 fatty acids were well tolerated.

In addition, a larger, placebo-controlled trial for perinatal depression is now in progress at the University of Arizona (Marlene P. Freeman, M.D. and colleagues).

The knowledge of the health benefits of marine Omega-3 fatty acids is growing worldwide. Scientific evidence continues to mount, representing an opportunity for the treatment and prevention of common diseases. The American Heart Association and the World Health Organization both support the addition of Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet, citing their importance in maintaining good health.

About Epax AS:
At Epax AS, each production run of Omega-3 carries full quality control documentation to ensure that the highest purity and quality standards are maintained. Chemical analyses take place at every crucial stage and the most stringent, hygienic conditions are applied throughout Epax operations.

EPAX products are produced in the cGMP certified state-of-the-art facilities to meet the highest quality standards possible. The products comply with the CRN voluntary monograph and all other known regulations. Epax has gone beyond these standards and recently lowered the limits for all relevant organic pollutants and heavy metals in the product specification to reflect the company¹s commitment to purity.

Epax AS is headquartered in Lysaker, Norway and has a GMP approved production facility in Alesund, Norway, which is approved for API production by the Norwegian Board of Health. Epax AS offers concentrated Omega-3 EPA/DHA oils in the business-to-business segment under the brand name EPAX, available in a wide range of top quality formulas with different EPA/DHA ratios focused on specific health conditions. EPAX is also available in TG or EE versions, including TG oils that are available in a deodorized TG/N version, which is virtually without taste and smell. For further information on Epax AS, its products or clinical studies visit www.epax.com or contact Gunilla Traberg at gunilla.traberg@epax.com # # #

News Contact:
Gunilla Traberg
+47 22 53 48 50
gunilla.traberg@epax.com

Epax AS
P.O. Box 420, N-1327 Lysaker, Norway
+ 47 22 53 4850
www.epax.com

Reference:
(1) Freeman MP, Hibbeln JR, Wiesner KL, Brumbach BH, Watchman M, Gelenberg AJ. Randomized dose-raging pilot trial of Omega-3 fatty acids for postpartum depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2005: 1-5.