Wacker Biochem Corporation and Omega Protein, Inc. Announce Distribution Agreement for OmegaDry

23-Jul-2001

Wacker Biochem Corporation and Omega Protein, Inc. have joined forces to market and sell stabilized menhaden fish oil powder in the United States under the name of OmegaDryâ. The company’s refined menhaden fish oil is certified as GRAS by the FDA; and it is also certified as kosher and organic. Menhaden fish oil is a significant source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which are increasingly used in the food, pet food and nutraceutical industries. The U.S. market for this powder product is expected to grow to more than 1,000 metric tons per year.

Wacker has developed a breakthrough technology to produce fish oil in powder form using gamma cyclodextrin as a new alternative to microencapsulation. The cyclodextrin stabilizes the oil against oxidation and heat. Compared to microencapsulation, these complexes have the added advantage that they cannot be destroyed by shear forces. Based on this technology, Wacker and Omega Protein are expecting to gain a significant share of the evolving U.S. market.

Various epidemiological and clinical studies have linked long-chain omega-3 fatty acids with a reduction in the risk of heart disease and a drop in triglyceride levels. These fatty acids are also used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, and are essential for the growth of brain and retina in human development.

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