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Peer-Reviewed Publication of Independent Research Provides Further Supporting Evidence for Efficacy of Natural Alternative to Antibiotic Use in Livestock

Wednesday, 26 November 2014 07:04 AM

Avivagen Inc.

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Ottawa, ON / ACCESSWIRE / Nov 26, 2014 / Avivagen Inc. (TSXV: VIV, OTC Pink: CHEXF). Today a leading scientific publication published results of a study of the utility and mechanisms of OxC-beta, a fundamentally new natural alternative to the use of antibiotics in livestock feeds. The article is the outcome of work by independent scientists from the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta. Avivagen Inc. is a wellness company developing and delivering products that support and enhance the health and quality of life for animals and the people who care for them.

The discovery that the product formed by full, spontaneous oxidation of beta-carotene, termed OxC-beta, has protective health benefits comes at a time when stakeholders across the globe, including national health regulators, are looking to avoid usage of antibiotics in livestock due to concerns such uses pose threats to public health. In-feed trials of OxC-beta appear to be gaining attention from the livestock industry due to emerging evidence this natural product may be a safe, effective and affordable alternative to the antibiotics now in use.

The peer-reviewed, scientific journal article appears in the December, 2014 edition of The American Journal of Veterinary Research. Entitled "Anti-inflammatory effects of retinoids and carotenoid derivatives on caspase-3-dependent apoptosis and efferocytosis of bovine neutrophils", it reports on the effects of OxC-beta in a model of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). The article notes that OxC-beta promotes the resolution of disease-induced inflammation without otherwise disrupting immune response to infection. The publication concludes that OxC-beta could be a novel nutritional strategy that may confer benefits for cattle with respiratory tract disease.

BRD is a multi-factorial respiratory tract disease that is characterized by severe inflammation and that is cited as the most costly disease of feedlot cattle. In the U.S., BRD has an average annual incidence of 14-20%, with its clinical form accounting for over 30% of feedlot mortalities. The annual economic impact of BRD on the U.S. beef industry is estimated at over US$ 600 million (Source: J.ANIM SCI 2006, 84: 1999-2008, Snowder et. al.).

Avivagen believes this independent research and resulting publication provide additional evidence supporting the novel discoveries made by its scientists and collaborators concerning aspects of the chemistry and biological activity of the family of 600 carotenoids, including common health supplements such as ss-carotene, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein and lycopene. Although popularly believed to act as antioxidants, Avivagen is bringing to light the ability of carotenoids to be completely transformed by spontaneous reaction with oxygen into natural compounds with previously-undiscovered positive actions on immune function and inflammatory processes. The effects of fully-oxidized carotenoids may also explain the health benefits from diets rich in carotenoid-containing fruits and vegetables and the corresponding lack of consistent efficacy from direct dietary supplementation of carotenoids.

Dr. James Nickerson, Director of Product Validation of Avivagen and a co-author of the article commented "We're very pleased that this research has been published in The American Journal of Veterinary Research as it makes emerging findings about fully-oxidized carotenoids more widely available to the scientific, veterinary and human medical communities. We believe that these discoveries have important health implications and we welcome the prospect of further independent research into the properties of fully-oxidized carotenoids."

Cameron Groome, C.E.O. and President of Avivagen also commented "Peer-reviewed publications are important to Avivagen, as they help establish the validity of the science underlying our OxC-beta product line. We congratulate the researchers from the Universities of Calgary and Alberta on the publication of their work and look forward to future peer-reviewed articles concerning the properties of OxC-beta and the benefits from its use in livestock and companion animals."

The study was independently designed and conducted by the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, supported by the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency and Alberta Innovates, Health Solutions. The authors are Stephanie C. Duquette, Carrie D. Fischer, Troy D. Feener, Gregory P. Muench, Douglas W. Morck, Daniel R. Barreda, James G. Nickerson, and Andre G. Buret. The abstract of the article is available via hyperlink from the Avivagen site at www.avivagen.com or from the website of the journal at http://avmajournals.avma.org/loi/ajvr. The American Journal of Veterinary Research is published by the American Veterinary Medical Association and reports peer-reviewed research articles on topics related to animal health, welfare and performance.

About Avivagen Inc.

Avivagen Inc. is a publicly-listed life sciences company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol "VIV" and OTC Pink under the ticker symbol "CHEXF." The Company's goal is to develop and deliver scientifically-proven solutions that can truly benefit companion and production animals by employing natural mechanisms for maintaining good health. Targeted markets include Livestock Productivity and Pet Wellness.

Avivagen is based in partnership facilities of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) - in Ottawa, Ontario and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. For more information, visit www.avivagen.com.

About OxC-beta

Avivagen's proprietary and patent-protected technology is based on its discoveries concerning carotenoid antioxidants. The novel natural compounds discovered by Avivagen support the body's own systems to maintain and enhance health, by supporting immune function and calming excess inflammation. Avivagen's commercial-stage application of its technology is Fully-Oxidized beta-Carotene (OxC-beta). OxC-beta compounds occur naturally as carotenoid oxidation products in vegetation, but in minute amounts. They have been developed to support the health of companion animals and for use in the global food animal market.

Research results indicate OxC-beta supports innate immune function and can reduce late-stage inflammation, which can help maintain good health. In pets, OxC-beta supports overall vitality and energy, mobility and joint function, skin, coat and gut. Results observed in food animals have included healthier growth, better utilization of feed and decreased morbidity. In food animals, it is intended that use of OxC-beta avoids the feeding of antibiotics.

Avivagen's commercial products are OxC-beta for livestock, Vivamune(TM) Health Chews and Oximunol(TM) Chewables.

About OxC-beta for Livestock

OxC-beta for Livestock is available as a 10% pre-mix sold in 1.0 or 5.0 Kg quantities for parts-per-million addition to animal feeds, in accordance with Avivagen or producer-developed protocols. In past studies, OxC-beta has been shown to support health or growth in species such as chicken, pigs, cattle and fish. OxC-beta for livestock is currently available for commercial sale in the Kingdom of Thailand.

About Vivamune(TM) Health Chews - For dogs and cats

Vivamune(TM) Health Chews, containing Avivagen's proprietary active ingredients, are scientifically-formulated chews for dogs and cats. Vivamune(TM) Health Chews work with a pet's own immune system to maintain overall health and well-being. They are sold in re-sealable packages of 30 chews and are currently available in the United States by ordering on-line at www.vivamunehealth.com.

About Oximunol(TM) Chewables - For dogs

Oximunol(TM) Chewables are scientifically-formulated chewable tablets that contain Avivagen's proprietary, patented active ingredient OxC-beta. OxC-beta has been shown to stimulate innate cellular immunity and may thereby help to maintain overall health and well-being. Oximunol(TM) Chewables are distributed by Bayer Healthcare LLC and are available through veterinarians for dogs of all ages in the United States.

Permanent Non-Surgical Sterilization of Female Mammals

Avivagen has optioned worldwide exclusive rights to a technology for the permanent and non-surgical sterilization of female mammals. A proof-of-concept trial in an indicative species has been started in order to demonstrate whether the technology appears to be safe and effective. It is expected that a patent application covering World Trade Organization countries will be pursued and that technological details will be made available when that patent application is published. Further information will be disclosed as deemed prudent or as required.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon the current expectations of management. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties associated with the business of Avivagen Inc. and the environment in which the business operates. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions "aim", "anticipated", "appear", "believe", "could", "estimated", "expected", "if", "intended", "goal", "hope", "likely", "may", "plan", "possibly", "potentially", "seem", "should", "whether", "will", "would" and similar expressions. Statements about the journal The American Journal of Veterinary Research, the research conducted by the authors of the article, the animal health condition being studied, the current or future potential uses of the technologies described in this news release, including their importance to animal or human health, their safety, efficacy or affordability, their gaining industry attention and whether published research helps to establish the validity of OxC-beta are all forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the ability of Avivagen to continue as a going concern; accuracy of the results of the article noted herein; the results of Avivagen's ongoing livestock trials may not be positive; the benefits from positive study results may not sufficient; even if the results of Avivagen's livestock trials are positive, there is no guarantee that Avivagen's products will be commercially viable and successful or that requisite regulatory approvals will be obtained; the timing and results of livestock trials may be delayed or may not be completed at all; and Avivagen's intellectual property rights may prove inadequate to protect its inventions. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Avivagen assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information:
Avivagen Inc.

Cameron Groome, CEO & President
100 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1A 0R6
Head Office Phone: 613-949-8164
Website: www.avivagen.com

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 |Avivagen       |
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SOURCE: Avivagen Inc. 
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