InterMed licenses omega-3 knowhow from Saarland University

Licensing deal

InterMed Discovery of Dortmund, Germany, has acquired microbial omega-3 fatty acid production strains and related know-how from Saarland University, which it says have the potential to produce omega-3 more sustainably and reliably than established sources.

At present, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those with high levels of the fatty acid EPA, are derived from fish. But dwindling fish populations and rising demand for omega-3 have prompted a search for more sustainable alternatives has been on. In addition, fish is an unreliable source since the concentration of omega-3 can vary from batch to batch. This is also a problem with potential alternative sources such as algae, which generate the fatty acid DHA mainly, while yields for EPA are very low or even nonexistent.

The microbial strains acquired by InterMed Discovery are sustainable and generate reliably high yields of omega-3 fatty acids. This source also offers a more favourable ratio between the fatty acids DHA and EPA. This is expected to lead to the development of enhanced omega-3 formulations.

“These microbial strains offer not only a new sustainable and reliable source of omega-3, but also give us the capability to develop products with outstanding quality at competitive pricing,” said Bernard Becker, Managing Director of InterMed Discovery.

The company will lead the collaborative research and development project with the team at the University of Saarland. Financial terms were not disclosed.