Valensa Partners with Contract Biotics

EUSTIS, Fla., and LA JOLLA, Cali.Valensa International and Contract Biotics announced a multi-year contract to supply the algae biomass used for the astaxanthin production.

Contract Biotics is a U.S. based wholesale producer of high-quality algae biomass and related biological compounds.

Astaxanthin is known as a powerful, fat-soluble antioxidant and can protect against cell damage caused by oxidative stress.

Valensa has significantly expanded its capability to provide the market with formulated, condition-specific astaxanthin-based products. The ingredient has grown in demand as health media celebrities and consumers become aware of its broad-ranging and demonstrated health benefits.

According to Dr. Rudi E. Moerck, president and CEO of Valensa, supplies of algae biomass have been a limiting growth factor of the astaxanthin market for the last several years, even with the increase in demand.

"Growing high quality algae biomass for the production of astaxanthin is a time-consuming and difficult task to undertake," Moerck said. "Contract Biotics is the first new producer to ship us commercial quantities of algae biomass that meets our quality standards."

"The Valensa partnership has been ideal for us, in that they bring a wealth of knowledge of Astaxanthin production, as well as substantial investments in the final production, quality control, packaging and business acumen necessary to successfully market nutritional products," said Ken Reynolds, Contract Biotics CEO."Many startups significantly underestimate the requirements and cost of QA/QC and good manufacturing practices (GMPs)."

Astaxathin is a component of krill oil, however, krill is not a viable source for the production of commercial qualities of carotenoid. It is commonly produced through the cultivation and harvesting of a naturally-occurring variety of freshwater algae.

"We see this as the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship," Moerck said. "Contract Biotics' first shipment rivaled what we typically see from established producers, so with their demonstrated ability to expand and scale commercially it was an obvious win-win for both companies to enter into a long-term agreement."