OTTAWA, ONTARIO, February 5, 2014 - Avivagen Inc. (TSXV:VIV), 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, announces the availability of the first peer-reviewed scientific journal publication regarding its OxC-beta technology.
The publication reports novel discoveries made by Avivagen scientists and collaborators concerning aspects of the chemistry and biology of ss-carotene that also relate to the family of 600 carotenoids, including common health supplements such as ss-carotene, lycopene, lutein and astaxanthin Although popularly believed to act as an antioxidant, the new work brings to light the ability of ss-carotene to be totally transformed by spontaneous reaction with oxygen into products that collectively demonstrate potential for beneficial effects upon immune function. The article describes the methods, compositions and exploratory immunological activity of the class of natural carotenoid oxidation compounds discovered by Avivagen and is the first time these findings have been subjected to peer review and officially published.
Dr. Graham Burton, Director Commercialization Science and co-founder of Avivagen is the lead author of the paper and commented "We're very pleased to have our manuscript reviewed and published by the Canadian Journal of Chemistry and to make our findings widely available to the scientific, veterinary and human medical communities. We believe that our discoveries have important health implications and we look forward to publishing our further research in this field."
Cameron Groome, C.E.O. and President of Avivagen also commented "This publication is important to Avivagen, as it helps establish the validity of the science underlying our OxC-beta product line. We look forward to our team and collaborators publishing future manuscripts concerning the biological mechanisms of OxC-beta and the benefits from its use in companion and livestock animals."
The paper, entitled "Beta-Carotene Autoxidation: Oxygen Copolymerization, Non-Vitamin A Products and Immunological Activity" was co-authored by Graham W. Burton, Janusz Daroszewski, James G. Nickerson, James B. Johnson, Trevor J. Mogg and Grigory B. Nikiforov. A pre-production version of the article is now available from the Canadian Journal of Chemistry (published on 3 February 2014, 10.1139/cjc-2013-0494). The Canadian Journal of Chemistry reports current research findings in all branches of chemistry, including both traditional and newer interdisciplinary areas, and the Avivagen paper is freely available on-line at www.nrcresearchpress.com/journal/cjc.
About Avivagen Inc.
Avivagen Inc. is a publicly-listed life sciences company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol "VIV". 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. Avivagen's targeted markets include Pet Wellness and Livestock Productivity.
The company has sites located in partnership facilities of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) - in Ottawa, Ontario and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. More information can be found at 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, particularly by supporting immune function. 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, 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 mortality. In food animals, it is intended that use of OxC-beta avoids the feeding of antibiotics.
The commercial products of Avivagen are Oximunol(TM) Chewables, OxC-beta for livestock and Vivamune(TM) Health Chews.
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.
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 producer-developed protocols. In past studies, OxC-beta has been shown to support health and growth in species such as fish, chicken, pigs and cattle. OxC-beta for livestock is currently available for commercial sale in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations, which 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 "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of Avivagen Inc. regarding future results or events. 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. 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
Phone: 613-949-8164