Calanus As is Granted Novel Food Approval for Calanus® Oil in the EU

Press Release

After many years of product development including pre-clinical and early clinical testing, Calanus® Oil is finally approved for the EU market.

"Contrary to what was regarded as the "scientific truth" when we started, we have not only shown that wax esters are an excellent form of omega-3 fatty acids, but also that Calanus® Oil has different and more pronounced effects on counteracting metabolic changes associated with obesity development and unhealthy lifestyles", says CEO Gunnar Rørstad.

Calanus® Oil is a patented product which differs significantly from fish- and krill oil by lipid-class composition, and is currently the only marine omega-3 product predominantly consisting of liquid wax esters – the most dense and predominant form of energy found in the North-Atlantic food web.

The Novel Food approval means that EU Authorities endorse Calanus® Oil as a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, and that it is safe to consume.

Calanus As is a biomarine company pioneering the utilization of the crustacean Calanus finmarchicus. This small pelagic zooplankter, with a life span of one year, is the most numerous animal species on the planet and represents the largest harvestable biomass on the Northern hemisphere.

Domiciled in Tromsø-Norway’s largest seafood port and the "Gateway to the Arctic"-Calanus As is firmly rooted in a community built on harvesting of seafood, and on research for sustainable management and utilization of marine resources.

The Norwegian Fisheries Management Authorities have recently developed a management plan and proposed to open for commercial harvesting of Calanus finmarchicus with an initial annual quota of 254.000 tons. Calanus As is currently harvesting under a research permit, in collaboration with fishing vessel companies.

"Going forward, we will increase our harvesting and manufacturing capacities and offer our product to new business customers in the EU and elsewhere. Moreover, our ambition is to invest in clinical documentation with the objective to apply for approval of health claims for Calanus® Oil", says CEO Gunnar Rørstad.