Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. (NASDAQ: FMTI) ("Forbes" or "Company") today announced that the European Union ("EU") has approved a health claim for plant sterols in free or esterified form.
This recent Commission Regulation will enable products that incorporate Forbes patented cholesterol lowering ingredient, Reducol(TM), to make a label claim that states, "Plant sterols have been shown to lower/reduce cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary artery disease."
The EU Commission Decision, 2004/845/EC which authorized the use of Reducol(TM) in Novel Foods in the EU was included in the EFSA Opinion Q-2008-085, which recommended approval of the claim.
"The approval extends Forbes current cholesterol reduction claim and further validates the inclusion of Reducol(TM) in various food products," said Dr. David Stewart, VP Regulatory & Scientific Affairs at Forbes.
Reducol(TM) is sold in various food products in the EU including margarine, yoghurts, yoghurt drinks, milk, and cheese.
About Forbes Medi-Tech
Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. (NASDAQ: FMTI) is a life sciences company focused on evidence-based nutritional solutions. A leader in nutraceutical technology, Forbes is a provider of value-added products and cholesterol-lowering ingredients for use in functional foods and dietary supplements. Forbes successfully developed and commercialized its Reducol(TM) plant sterol blend, which has undergone clinical trials in various matrices and has been shown to lower "LDL" cholesterol levels safely and naturally. Building upon established partnerships with leading retailers and manufacturers across the globe, Forbes helps its customers to develop private label and branded products. For more information about Forbes Medi-Tech, please visit www.forbesmedi.com.
Reducol(TM) is a trademark of Forbes Medi-Tech Inc.
Forward looking Statements and Risks
This News Release contains forward-looking statements regarding opportunities for Reducol(TM) in Europe and future product launches. Forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "to make", "will enable", or any other variations thereon or comparable terminology referring to future dates, events or results. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in those forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including without limitation; uncertainty of the size and existence of a market opportunity for the Company's and its customers' products; uncertainty whether planned product launches will occur as planned; uncertainty regarding market acceptance of the Company's and its customers' products; performance by the Company's customers; product liability and insurance risks; marketing/manufacturing and partnership/strategic alliance risks; the effect of competition; exchange rate fluctuations; the Company's need for additional future capital, which may not be available in a timely manner or at all; intellectual property risks; environmental risks. Such risks and uncertainties, and others affecting the Company which could cause actual results to vary materially from current results or those anticipated in forward-looking statements and information, are more fully described in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 20-F, and latest MD&A and other reports, filed with the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities from time to time at www.sedar.com, and with the U.S. SEC at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. Forward-looking statements and information are based on the beliefs, assumptions, opinions and expectations of the Company's management at the time they are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement or information should those beliefs, assumptions, opinions or expectations change, except as required by law.