The acquisition, which is expected to be completed in early May, will see Euglena take over Kobelco Eco-Solutions\u2019 Euglena gracilis EOD-1 microalgae cultivation and ingredient business, as well as its supplement brand Micarea. <\/p>\n
Euglena gracilis EOD-1 is used as a functional ingredient in supplements for its high content of paramylon. <\/p>\n
Paramylon is a \u03b2-1,3-glucan polysaccharide produced by microalgae like Euglena gracilis as an intracellular storage substance. <\/p>\n
In Japan, paramylon derived from the Euglena gracilis EOD-1 strain is approved for use in Foods with Function Claim (FFC) for maintaining immune function. <\/p>\n
Euglena said that the ingredient was also the first in Japan to be accepted as a dietary fiber functional ingredient with immune benefits. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been shown to act on both innate and adaptive immunity…Its novelty lies in its ability to target monocytes, which are innate immune cells, and naive T cells, which are adaptive immune cells,\u201d said Euglena in a press release on the acquisition. \u201cThis acquisition is a strategic decision to incorporate this immunological evidence into our research base and to develop paramylon as a multifunctional material that starts with immunity.\u201d <\/p>\n
Following the acquisition, Euglena will begin selling EOD-1 strain powder as a raw material and offering it as part of the company\u2019s OEM service. <\/p>\n
Euglena is also developing an alternative product to Micarea\u2019s existing paramylon supplement and aims to launch it within six months. <\/p>\n
\u201cMicarea will continue selling its current product for the time being, and the plan is to gradually discontinue sales of its current inventory within six months from early May, when the acquisition is scheduled to be completed,\u201d said Euglena. <\/p>\n
Green vs Golden Euglena<\/p>\n
Euglena itself is already a producer of \u201cgreen euglena\u201d microalgae, while Euglena gracilis EOD-1 by Kobelco Eco-Solutions is a \u201cgolden euglena\u201d microalgae. <\/p>\n
Aside from the color difference, the two microalgae are cultivated in different environments. <\/p>\n
Euglena said that its \u201cgreen euglena\u201d microalgae was cultivated outdoors on Ishigaki Island, while the \u201cgolden euglena\u201d was grown via heterotrophic cultivation in indoor sealed tanks where photosynthesis is not involved. <\/p>\n
The latter is said to contain more than 70% paramylon, and research and product development have been progressing on its effects on immunity and fatigue.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy combining the research results, intellectual property, and cultivation technologies of both companies, we will be able to provide the value of Euglena more broadly and deeply, from daily nutritional bases to high-performance ingredients that address the complex health challenges of modern people, such as immunity, fatigue, sleep, and stress,\u201d said Euglena. <\/p>\n
Euglena itself has also used paramylon derived from \u201cgreen euglena\u201d in producing FFC, with 26 product listings found on Plusaid – a database containing information on FFC. <\/p>\n
Some of these products are for sleep, fatigue and stress, as well as reducing abdominal fat and waist circumference in individuals with a higher body mass index. <\/p>\n
As part of the acquisition, Euglena plans to buy over domestic and international patents, research data and trademarks such as \u201cEOD-1\u201d and \u201cGolden Euglena.\u201d<\/p>\n
It also plans to develop a more stable and competitive supply system by utilizing both outdoor and indoor systems for cultivating Euglena gracilis EOD-1. <\/p>\n
Scientific findings on Golden Euglena<\/p>\n