Aker BioMarine enters into research collaboration for Alzheimer’s

Aker BioMarine enters into research collaboration for Alzheimer’s

Global biotech innovator Aker BioMarine enters into a research collaboration with Université de Sherbrooke Department of Medicine, to investigate if LPC-bound EPA/DHA is effective in preventing cognitive decline linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Aker BioMarine will supply the research team its krill-based LPC EPA/DHA product, LYSOVETA™.

While there is strong evidence linking DHA to better cognitive scores and lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, clinical trials using fish oil as the source for EPA/DHA have not been conclusive. To help fill this gap, a research team from the Université de Sherbrooke in Canada will test if LYSOVETA, Aker BioMarine’s new delivery platform based on LPC-bound EPA/DHA from krill, is more effective in increasing the concentration of DHA in the brain and improving cognition.

“Alzheimer’s is a disease without a cure, which is why we are actively exploring whether LYSOVETA can help improve cognitive abilities among those who are affected by it. Université de Sherbrooke is a leader in this field of study, and we believe that by working with them and ensuring an ample supply of our krill-based products, we can make significant headway in furthering their research and getting more conclusive answers on how EPA/DHA can more effectively improve brain health,” said Matts Johansen, CEO, Aker BioMarine.

The study, led by Dr. Mélanie Plourde from Université de Sherbrooke, will use different formulations of EPA/DHA to investigate if LPC is a superior source of these fatty acids in populations that are genetically at-risk for Alzheimer’s disease. More specifically, the team will evaluate the link between genetic variations in lipid metabolism and transport of EPA/DHA across the blood brain barrier using knock in mice for human E4 (hAPOE4) or E3 (hAPOE3) genetic variants. One group will receive Aker BioMarine’s LYSOVETA, LPC-bound EPA/DHA derived from Antarctic krill, while the other will receive triglyceride-bound EPA/DHA from fish oil. The team will investigate the uptake of these fatty acids and effect on cognitive score to see if LPC bound EPA/DHA can have a positive effect for those at risk-populations.

“What if, for cognitive decline, we just have missed the target because the supplement/drug formulations were not appropriately designed to target the brain? Our hypothesis is that by using a new EPA/DHA formulation, such as LYSOVETA, we can direct more DHA into the right areas of the brain to improve cognition,” said Dr. Mélanie Plourde, Professor, Université de Sherbrooke.

“We are excited about this study and eager to start testing LYSOVETA, as we believe we can make significant progress in our knowledge and understanding about the delivery mechanisms for DHA and its potential impact on people with Alzheimer’s.”

Since its inception, Aker BioMarine has worked closely with universities worldwide to study the health benefits of its products derived from Antarctic krill. To increase knowledge on the effects of LPC-bound EPA and DHA, Aker BioMarine will continue to expand its collaborations to partners who are eager to explore the benefits of this carrier on human health.

About LYSOVETA™

In late 2020, Aker BioMarine launched LYSOVETA™, a new delivery platform based on LPC-bound EPA and DHA from krill. It marked a significant breakthrough that promises to open up new opportunities within the brain, eye and other important health areas. It is sustainability sourced from Antarctic krill and processed at Aker BioMarine’s facility in Houston. The company plans for a commercial launch of the product for human health in 2022.