Martek's Oils Improve Growth of
Preterm Infants Also Reduce
Nervousness and Irritability
August 6, 1997
COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE) via Individual Inc. --
Martek Biosciences Corporation (NASDAQ: MATK) today
reported the findings of two major clinical trials using preterm
infant formula supplemented with Martek's DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). The first
trial, sponsored by Mead Johnson and presented at the Fourth
International Conference on Essential Fatty Acids and
Eicosanoids in Edinburgh, Scotland, found that preterm infants
fed formulas containing Martek's oils had a 12% better growth
rate than the control group. The second study, sponsored by
Wyeth-Ayerst and submitted to the Life Sciences Research Office
(LSRO) of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental
Biologies (FASEB), concluded that the addition of Martek's oils to
infant formula reduced the amount of fungal skin infections, milk
intolerance, and nervousness and irritability in the supplemented
babies compared to a group fed a standard preterm infant formula.
The LSRO-FASEB panel has been designated to make
recommendations for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
on infant formula guidelines for preterm and term infant formulas
in the U.S. Both studies were large, multicenter trials in the U.S.
with a combined population of 481 babies. Both studies again
confirm the safety of Martek's oils which has been previously
shown in a number of trials. At the date of its submittal to the
LSRO- FASEB panel, the Wyeth-Ayerst study was believed to be
the largest and most vigorous trial of its kind ever conducted.
"Improving infant development through nutrition has always
been a goal of Martek," said Henry Linsert Jr., Martek's Chairman
and CEO. "The improvement found regarding irritability and
nervousness is particularly important because it is consistent with
previous findings, such as the trials cited by the authors of the
Wyeth-Ayerst trial, which associate DHA deficiencies with
hyperactivity and behavior problems in young children. Not only
do Martek's oils make infant formulas more like mother's breast
milk, we now have strong data supporting the fact that the
benefits associated with breast milk DHA can be safely
reproduced with Martek's oils."
Martek's oils are naturally derived nutritional supplements
containing two essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids,
DHA and ARA, which are fundamental building blocks of the
brain and the retina. DHA and ARA are naturally delivered to
babies through breast milk. Many researchers in infant nutrition
believe DHA and JRA to be critical for mental and visual
development.
Due to their link with neurological development, the addition of
DHA and ARA has been recommended by a number of
international organizations. The British Nutrition Foundation
(BNF), the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and
the Joint Expert Committee on Human Nutrition of the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World
Health Organization (WHO), have recommended that these
essential fatty acids be included in preterm infant formulas. The
BNF and the FAO/WHO Committee have also recommended that
DHA and ARA be included in formulas for all infants. Infant
formulas supplemented with Martek's oils are available around the
world but are not yet available in the United States.
Martek Biosciences Corporation is engaged in the research,
development and manufacture of nutritional supplements, drug
design tools, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. The Company
strategy is to access the vast but largely untapped microalgae
kingdom to create a broad portfolio of high-value products that
uniquely satisfy unmet nutritional and health needs.
CONTACT: Steve Dubin | Chief Financial Officer | or | Stephanie
Diaz | Director of Finance | Martek Biosciences Corporation | (410)
740-0081
[Copyright 1997, Business Wire]
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