ChromaDex Gets NSF Grant for Anthocyanin Technology

IRVINE, Calif.The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded ChromaDex Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: CDXC), a $500,000 Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant to further the commercial development of anthocyanins for use in nutraceutical, food, beverage and cosmetic products. The project, titled, "SBIR Phase II: Microbial Production of Selected Anthocyanins," will allow ChromaDex to complete validation of AnthoPure technology for the manufacturing of anthocyanins via fermentation.

The development of anthocyanins through our AnthoPure technology represents the next stage in our commercialization strategy of new and novel ingredients at ChromaDex," said Bill Spengler, president of ChromaDex. This follows the development of pTeroPure pterostilbene, which is currently undergoing clinical trials for cholesterol reduction and oxidative stress at the University of Mississippi. We believe the revenue potential for select, high-purity anthocyanins will be significant, but until recently there has not been a commercially viable process by which to manufacture them."

Frank Jaksch, co-founder and CEO at ChromaDex, added, We are pleased the NSF is continuing its support as we enter the final stretch in readying our AnthoPure technology for market. Less than half of NSF Phase I grants are awarded a Phase II, so receiving this award validates that we are driving this technology toward commercialization."

In July 2008, ChromaDex entered into a worldwide license agreement with the Research Foundation of the State University of New York, on behalf of the University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo), to commercialize AnthoPure, a novel process technology that selectively manufactures specific anthocyanins. Under the terms of the agreement, ChromaDex made an up-front cash payment to SUNY Buffalo and will pay earned royalties on sales of covered technology products and services.

ChromaDex will use the NSF award and its own resources to complete the work necessary to commercialize anthocyanins using its AnthoPure technology. ChromaDex plans to market and license these anthocyanins to food, beverage, cosmetic and dietary supplement manufacturers to meet the growing demand for natural, plant-based ingredients in the marketplace and will also evaluate opportunities to collaborate or partner with other interested parties to further expand the applications for this unique technology.

The SBIR Program stimulates technological innovation in the private sector by aiding and strengthening U.S. small business research and development. 

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant pigments or colorants that contribute to the vivid coloring of berries and are proven to aid in protecting against oxidative stress and control blood glucose levels to assist with weight management and diabetes. They also provide similar benefits to the superfruit compounds such as resveratrol and pterostilbene.