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ABN Launches Sustainable Solution for Shrimp Production
Product Aimed at $4B U.S. Shrimp Market Enables Sustainable Feeds
COLUMBIA, MD - FEBRUARY 26, 2007 — Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing sustainable technology to improve animal health and functional nutrition, has announced the launch of AquaGrow® for Shrimp. This new product now makes it possible for shrimp feed manufacturers to produce feeds for the first time that are comprised of ingredients that are 100 percent sustainable in origin.
Although U.S. and European retailers are pressuring the industry to offer sustainably raised seafood, shrimp farmers and feed manufacturers have had to rely on non-sustainable marine ingredients like fish meal and fish oil to provide optimal growth of shrimp. ABN’s AquaGrow® for Shrimp provides a balance of key omega-3 fatty acids from natural sources, including microalgae, that are essential for the optimal growth and development of the shrimp. For the first time this enables the production of feeds to meet the needs of consumers worldwide who desire sustainable farmed seafood products.
According to Robert A. Bullis, an aquatic veterinarian and ABN’s Director of Animal Health and Regulatory Affairs, “AquaGrow® for Shrimp has been has been developed and field-tested over several years under a number of different conditions in tanks and ponds, both in the United States and Thailand. We have now developed the correct blend of natural components that, in combination with lower cost vegetable proteins, enables the total replacement of fishmeal and fish oil in shrimp feeds, while providing equivalent growth and health in the farm-raised shrimp.”
Dr. David Kyle, President of ABN, said, “Because the microalgae are grown in a clean, traceable, and sustainable fashion using conventional fermentation, AquaGrow® for Shrimp can be produced at a scale that meets the needs of the entire world’s shrimp farming industry and farmers and manufacturers who are focusing on the sustainable seafood market now have a tool that enables them to meet market demands.”
“We are proud to launch this first in a series of new generation ingredients for aquafeeds that provide ecologically responsible solutions to the rapidly-growing global aquaculture industry,” added William F. Kirk, CEO and Chairman of ABN.
AquaGrow® for Shrimp and its benefits are being highlighted at this week’s World Aquaculture Society’s Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX, where ABN is holding a special event tomorrow to celebrate the product launch.
About ABN:
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing technology to improve animal health and functional nutrition. The company is headquartered in Columbia, MD. www.abn-corp.com.
For more information, contact:
| In the U.S.: | David J. Kyle, dkyle@abn-corp.com |
| In Thailand: | Larry Giessinger, lgiessinger@abn-corp.com |
William F. Kirk Joins Advanced BioNutrition as CEO
Former DuPont Group VP brings experience in product commercialization
COLUMBIA, MD - JANUARY 23, 2007 — Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN) announced today that William F. Kirk has joined the company as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Kirk brings to ABN 37 years of experience, primarily in the agricultural businesses of E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., where as Group Vice President he led their Agriculture Business and served as a member of the CEO's Strategy/Operating Committee.
Kirk, who has served on ABN's Board of Directors since the company was founded in 2001, began with DuPont as a sales representative and rose to Group Vice President. In that position he was instrumental in building DuPont’s agriculture business from $600 million to $4.5 billion through major alliances and acquisitions in seed, feed and food ingredients.
During his tenure at DuPont he also oversaw the development of numerous early stage technologies from inception through their emergence as major commercial products.
"ABN has some impressive fundamental technology that is now ready to enter the marketplace, and I am ready to lead this transition into the commercialization phase for the company,” said Kirk.
David J. Kyle, who founded ABN in 2001 and navigated the company through its first five years of development, will remain with ABN as President and Chief Scientific Officer, focusing on development of the company’s earlier stage technologies.
"I am very excited about Bill joining the ABN team,” said Kyle. “Bill's experience in the industry will be a great asset to the company as we launch our AquaGrow® for Shrimp product, an environmentally ‘sustainable solution’ for the production of shrimp without the use of fishmeal or fish oil.”
Prior to founding Advanced BioNutrition Corp., Kyle co-founded Martek Biosciences and developed the omega-3 DHA-based technology that enabled the addition to infant formulas of a key additive important for brain and eye development.
About ABN:
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing functional ingredients, including DHA, to improve the health, nutrition and performance of animals. The company is located in Columbia, MD. www.advancedbionutrition.com.
For more information, contact:
Al Cunniff
Advanced BioNutrition
Dir. of Marketing & Corporate Communications
Phone: 410-730-8600
Email: acunniff@abn-corp.com
Advanced BioNutrition Is Worldwide Exclusive Licensee
of Newly Issued Patent for Production of DHA
US patent issued to University of Hull (GB)
and Wageningen University (NL)
COLUMBIA, MD - APRIL 12, 2006 — Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN) announced today that it is the worldwide exclusive licensee of a patent issued to the University of Hull (GB) and the Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group (AFSG) of Wageningen University and Research Centre (previously known as ATO) (NL) on December 20, 2005. The U.S. patent (# 6,977,166), entitled “Method of Producing an Oil Including Docosahexaenoic Acid,” describes a novel method for producing an oil containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by fermentation of the microalgae Crypthecodinium cohnii. This method involves the use of efficient semi-continuous and continuous production methods and a low cost fermentation substrate to produce algae containing high levels of a DHA-rich oil. The patent has also issued in the UK.
“We have been working on the continuous production of the microalga C. cohnii for a number of years, and this patent describes a process for the production of DHA using a continuous production process with an inexpensive feedstock,” said Colin Ratledge of the University of Hull and primary inventor on the patent.
“Consistent with AFSG’s multidisciplinary focus on developing new technologies for agro-raw materials, this patent describes a new method of producing DHA which is important in a number of human and animal nutrition applications,” said Lolke Sijtsma of AFSG.
“ABN is focused on the fundamental requirement of DHA in nutrition, and since this new technology represents a novel way of producing this important molecule, we are excited to be the worldwide exclusive licensee,” said David J. Kyle, CEO of ABN.
DHA is a critical building block of neurological tissues and has been commercialized as a key additive to infant formulas. Recent scientific publications have also identified the importance of DHA in neurological development of companion animals, fertility in thoroughbred racehorses, improvement of growth and fertility in swine, and growth of many aquacultured species, including shrimp and salmon. These animal applications are the primary commercial focus of ABN.
About ABN:
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing functional ingredients, including DHA, to improve the health, nutrition and performance of animals, and new probiotic technologies to improve animal and human health and wellness. The company is located in Columbia, MD. www.advancedbionutrition.com.
About the University of Hull and Professor Ratledge:
The University of Hull is an academic institution located in Hull, Great Britain, and is actively involved in a wide range of partnerships with organizations and businesses from the public and private sectors. Colin Ratledge is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences whose research interests involve lipid biosynthesis and the biotechnological production of polyunsaturated oils. www.hull.ac.uk/biosci.
About Wageningen UR, Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group (AFSG):
AFSG (previously known as ATO) is an organization for fundamental and applied-scientific research for agriculture and horticulture, trade and export, and for industries manufacturing food and non-food products on the basis of vegetable and animal raw materials. One of the main topics of research is the biobased economy in which renewable resources and their conversion to value added products play a vital role. Dr. Lolke Sijtsma is senior scientist with AFSG, and his research interests involve production of polyunsaturated oils and marine biotechnology. www.afsg.wur.nl.
For more information, contact:
Al Cunniff
Advanced BioNutrition
Dir. of Marketing & Corporate Communications
Phone: 410-730-8600
Email: acunniff@abn-corp.com
Waggers Dog Treats Include Omega-3 DHA from ABN
COLUMBIA, MD, Jan. 5, 2006 - Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing functional ingredients to improve animal health, announced today that Waggers Pet Products of Canada is the first company to market a dog treat incorporating omega-3 DHA from ABN's algal-sourced feed ingredient.
"I am thrilled that the time has come when we can produce tasty pet treats that also offer health benefits to our pets," said Jason Bailey, Director and CEO of Waggers. "Our search for the functional nutrition ingredient DHA initially led us to fish oil, but then we discovered ABN's algal DHA, a cleaner and environmentally sustainable source of this important omega-3 fatty acid."
Bailey said that Tid Bits, which is Waggers' debut product, is on the shelves at approximately 500 pet stores across Canada, with negotiations underway for distribution into the U.S. and overseas. Bailey describes Tid Bits as a soft dog treat that is ideal for use in training and rewards.
"Waggers is dedicated to producing high quality, healthy treats for pets," said Waggers President Troy Firth. "Our focus is on products that not only taste good to pets, but that also offer health benefits. Tid Bits have all-natural ingredients and omega-3 DHA, which has been scientifically shown to benefit humans and animals, and we believe that pet owners will appreciate this powerful combination."
"ABN is excited by this adoption of our algal DHA by Waggers," said David J. Kyle, ABN's President and CEO. "Waggers is taking the lead in offering the pet owner a tasty treat produced with a clean, sustainable, reliable source of DHA. All signs indicate to us that the pet food industry is moving towards incorporating our DHA-containing S Type algal flake in other pet products and foods."
ABOUT ABN
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing functional nutrition technology to improve animal health. The company is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland. www.abn-corp.com
ABOUT WAGGERS
Waggers Pet Products Inc. specializes in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of functional and healthy treats for dog and cats. The company was formed in February 2005 by two executives with more than 25 years of senior management experience at pet companies. Waggers is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. www.waggerspetproducts.com.
For more information, contact:
Al Cunniff
Advanced BioNutrition
Dir. of Marketing & Corporate Communications
Phone: 410-730-8600
Email: acunniff@abn-corp.com
ABN Receives SBIR Grant to Develop Novel Manufacturing Technology
For Production of Functional Food Ingredients
COLUMBIA, MD, MAY 3, 2005 - Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing functional food ingredients to improve animal health and human nutrition, announced that it has received a $99,000 Phase I SBIR grant from the National Science Foundation to further the development of its novel microencapsulation technology.
The SBIR Phase I grant, titled "Continuous Spray-Capture Production System," will allow ABN to convert its prototype encapsulation production system from a batch to a continuous production process, thereby reducing production costs and providing more overall control to the process.
"This manufacturing innovation will significantly reduce the costs of incorporation of a number of functional ingredients, including probiotics, enzymes, omega-3 fatty acids and even vaccines into food products to benefit human and animal health and wellness," said David J. Kyle, ABN's president and CEO.
ABN's microencapsulation technology is referred to by the Company as a MicroMatrix. It is based on the immobilization and stabilization of the functional ingredient in a carbohydrate polymer mixture which is then formed into small particles of 50-200 microns in diameter. The MicroMatrix is designed to provide protection to the loaded ingredient as it passes through the stomach's gastric juices, and then releases its contents when the particles reach the intestine.
ABN is working with several major corporations in the functional food and animal health fields on the commercial development of this technology.
ABOUT ABN
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing functional nutrition
technology to improve animal health and human nutrition. The company is
headquartered in Columbia, MD. www.abn-corp.com
For more information, contact:
Al Cunniff, Dir. of Marketing & Corporate Communications
Phone: 410-730-8600
Email: acunniff@abn-corp.com
Advanced BioNutrition Secures $7.5M in Private Financing
Funding Will Drive MicroMatrix Ingredient Delivery Technology
And Development of Functional Nutrition Technology
COLUMBIA, MD, JAN. 13, 2005 - Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing functional ingredients and technologies to improve animal and human health and wellness, today announced that it has completed a second round of private equity financing, raising $7.5 million. The company will use proceeds from this Series B financing round to expand applications for its new MicroMatrix ingredient delivery technology, continue development of new disease prevention products, and to build sales of its DHA and ARA nutritional products.
ABN's proprietary and unique MicroMatrix technology allows the encapsulation of active ingredients such as probiotic bacteria for the extension of food applications, including use in infant formula. ABN's technology makes possible the oral delivery of a wide range of bioactive molecules, such as vaccines, enzymes, hormones, and peptides, as well as probiotic bacteria and prebiotics.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and ARA (Arachidonic Acid) are recognized as essential fatty acids in animal and human nutrition.
ABN's Series B round, which was led by SAM Equity Partners Ltd. and BASF Venture Capital GmbH, also included Arancia Industrial SA de CV, as well as ABN's Series A round investors, Sherbrooke Capital, Eastbourne Capital Management L.L.C., the Maryland Dept. of Business and Economic Development, and a private investor.
"While our MicroMatrix technology was developed to meet immediate needs in the area of aquatic nutrition, we see exciting applications in delivery systems for active ingredients in human applications," said David J. Kyle, ABN's President and CEO. "This investment is a testament to the strength of ABN's unique, proprietary technology. We have put together an excellent syndicate of investors whose expertise will benefit us as we grow our business."
"We are excited to have this opportunity to be involved in the success of ABN," said Walter Locher, Principal, Sam Equity Partners, Ltd. "ABN's MicroMatrix technology offers broad applications in functional foods for animals and humans, while the company's DHA and ARA products will enable the sustainable production of Organic seafood. This will result in safer seafood products by eliminating the need for fishmeal and fish oil in aquaculture feeds, and the contaminants they potentially carry."
"We believe that ABN's technologies will play an important role in developing new, innovative aquaculture products and will improve the quality of life for humans and animals through functional nutrition," said Patrick Huebler of BASF Venture Capital America, Inc.
ABN was founded in late 2001 by Dr. David J. Kyle, a co-founder of Martek Biosciences Corporation [Nasdaq: MATK]. ABN previously raised $6 million in a Series A financing that allowed it to establish its technology, sales, marketing and operations infrastructure efforts designed to develop nutritional products to promote health and control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture.
ABN believes that its technology combined with Martek's products can restore consumer confidence in such farm-raised seafood products as shrimp and salmon, whose safety and nutritional value have been called into question by recent research findings and news stories.
About ABN
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing functional ingredients and technologies to improve animal and human health and wellness. The company is headquartered in Columbia, MD. www.abn-corp.com
About SAM
SAM Equity Partners Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of SAM Sustainable Asset Management AG (www.sam-group.com), an independent asset management company based in Zurich, Switzerland.
About BASF Venture Capital GmbH
BASF Venture Capital GmbH was established in 2001 as a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF Future Business GmbH, Ludwigshafen, Germany, and participates in startup companies by providing venture capital to open up new growth potentials. Investment is channeled toward companies that can demonstrate successful applications for their product developments as well as market demand. BASF also supports these companies with its expertise. Further information on BASF Venture Capital GmbH is available on the Internet at www.basf-vc.de. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
About Arancia
Having participated through its wholly owned subsidiary Arancia International Inc, Arancia Industrial SA de CV (www.arancia.com.mx) is a private company based in Guadalajara, Mexico. A corn refiner for 75 years with successful international joint venture experience, Arancia today operates in enzymes, textile rental services, and transportation, and is an investor in related businesses as it seeks to grow operations in biotech, agroindustry, and logistics services.
Media Contact
Albert Cunniff
Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications
(410) 730 - 8600
acunniff@abn-corp.com
Advanced BioNutrition Announces Agreement with Martek For Sale of DHA into Aquaculture and Animal Health Markets
Oct. 6, 2004 - Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing technology to improve animal health and functional nutrition, announced that it has signed an agreement with Martek Biosciences Corporation [Nasdaq: MATK] which gives ABN a global market exclusive for Martek's algal sources of DHA for use as feed or feed ingredients intended for aquatic organisms. The agreement also enables ABN to sell those algal sources of DHA for the nutrition and wellness of agricultural and performance animals, as well as pets.
The new agreement also facilitates development of product opportunities built around Martek's fundamental DHA technology and ABN's proprietary position in safer animal feeds, and includes a new market opportunity in organic and sustainable nutritional seafood products.
"With this agreement in place, we're now poised to move quickly into organic and cleaner feeds that contain no fishmeal or fish oil, and still provide the production of farmed fish with the nutritional benefit of wild-caught fish," said David J. Kyle, President and CEO of ABN.
ABN is pioneering the production of feeds that will meet even the most stringent organic certification criteria. DHA products from Martek form the basis for the production of nutritionally balanced feeds without pass-through contaminants generally associated with fishmeal or fish oil. Thus, for the first time, companies seeking to improve the quality of farmed seafood products for human consumption have a safe, sustainable alternative.
ABN believes that its technology combined with Martek's products can restore consumer confidence in such farm-raised seafood products as shrimp and salmon, whose safety and nutritional value have been called into question by recent research findings and news stories.
About ABN
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing technology to improve animal health and functional nutrition. The company is headquartered in Columbia, MD. www.abn-corp.com
Media Contact
Albert Cunniff
(410) 730 - 8600
acunniff@abn-corp.com
Advanced BioNutrition Announces Agreement with Martek For Arachidonic Acid Applications in Aquaculture
COLUMBIA, MD, August 10, 2004 – Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing functional nutrition technology to improve animal health and human nutrition, announced that it has received a $50,000 grant from SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) to support a study on "Non-marine Based Fishmeal and Fish Oil Strategies for the Production of Aquaculture Feed."
The grant, which is funded by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency), is helping to fund large scale tests of ABN's fishmeal-alternative diets for shrimp. These trials, which are in progress in growout ponds in South Carolina, are planned as the final phase of ABN's optimization of diets with non-marine based ingredients for shrimp.
"ABN's shrimp feed initiative is part of the company's larger 'eco-friendly' strategy to replace fishmeal and fish oil in aquatic feeds with ABN's DHA-containing algal meal products," said David J. Kyle, CEO of Advanced BioNutrition. The removal of products of marine origin not only maintains the sustainability of the aquaculture industry, but also removes the 'back door' for contaminants in aqua feeds, while maintaining the valuable nutritional profile of omega-3 fatty acids in the aquacultured products.
Following the completion of this research, ABN expects to submit its shrimp diet for organic certification. The company anticipates that organic diets for shrimp farming could be available as early as next growing season.
"ABN has taken a lead position in providing a science-based solution that totally replaces fishmeal and fish oil, and provides a solution to raising toxin-free seafood in a sustainable fashion," said Robert A. Bullis, D.V.M., Director of Animal Health and Regulatory Affairs, who is leading ABN's eco-friendly feed initiative. "As a plus, in the future it can enable organic aquaculture."
"Our shrimp trial provides a jumping-off point for research in other aquacultured fish. This should open the way for optimization of non-marine sourced feeds for coldwater species such as salmon and rainbow trout, and warm-water species such as catfish and tilapia."
Dr. Bullis was invited to deliver the keynote speech on ABN's fishmeal/fish oil replacement strategy at the first international conference on organic aquaculture, Organic Aquaculture & Sea Farming 2004, held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in June.
He delivered a plenary session address, "Environmental and Social Aspects of Organic Aquaculture," as well as a technical development session address, "The Development of Shrimp Feeds for Organic Aquaculture." Abstracts of Dr. Bullis's talks are available on request from ABN, and are posted at ABN's website.
Further Information
"Environmental and Social Aspects of Organic Aquaculture"
"The Development of Shrimp Feeds for Organic Aquaculture"
About ABN
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing technology to improve animal health and functional nutrition. The company is headquartered in Columbia, MD. www.abn-corp.com
Media Contact
Albert Cunniff
(410) 730 - 8600
acunniff@abn-corp.com
Advanced BioNutrition Announces Agreement with Martek For Arachidonic Acid Applications in Aquaculture
COLUMBIA, MD, MAY 11, 2004 – Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing technology to improve animal health and functional nutrition, announced that it has signed an agreement with Martek Biosciences Corporation [Nasdaq: MATK] to become the sole provider of Martek’s ARA-enriched phospholipids to the aquaculture industry.
The Agreement provides ABN with a worldwide license for access to 91 of Martek’s patents related to the use of ARA (Arachidonic acid) in aquaculture feed products, as well as the right to purchase all of Martek’s output of these products. In exchange, Martek gains the first right to license from ABN any technological improvements that ABN may make on Martek’s technology.
The supply and license agreement gives ABN the right to 100% of all ARA-enriched phospholipids for use in aquaculture applications. Martek’s ARA-enriched phospholipids consist primarily of phospholipids, free fatty acids, and triglycerides which are generated as a by-product from the refining process.
“We were pleased to convert our existing agreement with Martek to an exclusive one in the aquaculture field for these ARA materials,” said David J. Kyle, President and CEO of ABN. “This meshes nicely with ABN’s patent applications and IP, and will open the door to a greater expansion of our AquaGrow ARA product line for use in hatcheries and grow-out facilities.”
Dr. Moti Harel, ABN’s Director of AquaNutrition, added, “ABN’s AquaGrow ARA products have been thoroughly tested and shown to significantly reduce stress-related mortalities and improve immunological responses in several marine and fresh water fish species. We believe that Arachidonic acid will soon be recognized as a key ingredient in many other areas of aquaculture nutrition.”
About
ABN
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing technology to improve
animal health and functional nutrition. The company is headquartered
in Columbia, MD. www.abn-corp.com
Media Contact
Albert Cunniff
(410) 730 - 8600
acunniff@abn-corp.com
COLUMBIA, MD--Feb. 24, 2004--Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing functional nutrition technology to improve animal health and human nutrition, announced that it has received a $200,000 award from MdBio for scaleup and commercialization of ABN's novel microencapsulation technology.
ABN's technology is designed to provide targeted delivery of probiotics and bioactive compounds to the site of activity in the guts of aquatic animals, using all GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) food-grade materials. Probiotics are "friendly" bacteria that prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria and can alleviate the need for antibiotic treatment.
Beneficial bioactive compounds are normally destroyed in the harsh environment of the stomach before they reach the intestines, where they can prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria. ABN's microencapsulation process protects these helpful bacteria and enables their release to targeted areas of the gastrointestinal tract.
ABN's microencapsulation technology provides a revolutionary new method to deliver easily degraded compounds such as vaccines, enzymes and other nutraceutical products in a bioactive form.
"We are very excited about the potential of this new technology to produce healthier and safer seafood products," said David J. Kyle, president and CEO of ABN. "Our novel microencapsulation technology could also enable the development of a new generation of probiotic products for human consumption."
Work under this project, titled "Commercial Production of Targeted Probiotic MicroCapsules for Aquatic Animals," will be conducted by ABN at its own laboratories, in conjunction with the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute at the University of Maryland.
About
MdBio
MdBio, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation that offers a variety
of programs to advance the commercial development of bioscience
in Maryland.
About
ABN
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing functional nutrition
technology to improve animal health and human nutrition. The company
is headquartered in Columbia, MD. www.abn-corp.com.
Advanced
BioNutrition Receives MIPS Grant For Probiotic Study in Salmon
COLUMBIA, MD--Feb. 17, 2004--Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing functional nutrition technology to improve animal health and human nutrition, announced that it has received a $184,000 award from the MIPS (Maryland Industrial Partnerships) program to support a study on the use of probiotics to replace antibiotics for disease prevention in salmon.
Fish and shrimp diseases around the world cause billions of dollars in losses each year in the aquaculture industry, and overuse of antibiotics leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
"The work we are conducting under this MIPS grant fits exactly within ABN's mission of developing safe, healthy and sustainable solutions to problems in the aquaculture and agriculture industries," said David J. Kyle, president and CEO of ABN.
ABN's novel microencapsulation technology allows delivery of probiotics ("friendly" bacteria) directly to the site of activity in the animal gut, where they prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
ABN will deliver bacteria that are safe and widely used in human applications to juvenile salmon to prevent disease. Such a probiotic approach could provide better growth and survival, while alleviating the need for antibiotic treatment.
Research under this project, titled "Selective Administration of Non-Dairy Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria to Pre-Smolting Atlantic Salmon," will be conducted by Dr. Steven G. Hughes of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Dr. Moti Harel of ABN.
About MIPS
MIPS, a program of the A. James Clark School of Engineering's Maryland
Technology Enterprise Institute (MTECH), enables technology commercialization
in Maryland through jointly funded university-company research and
development projects. For more information about MIPS, please visit
http://www.mips.umd.edu.
About ABN
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing functional nutrition
technology to improve animal health and human nutrition. The company
is headquartered in Columbia, MD. www.abn-corp.com.
The
Daily Record
September 2003
ABN Named a Winner in "Innovator of the Year" Program
Columbia, MD - Sept. 18, 2003 - Advanced BioNutrition, a leader in developing products to promote health and control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture, today announced that it has been named a winner in The Daily Record's "Innovator of the Year 2003" award program.
The award recognized the work of David J. Kyle, President and CEO of ABN and a cofounder of Martek Biosciences [Nasdaq: MATK], as well as the ABN team, in improving human and animal health and nutrition through discoveries and commercialization relating to DHA, an essential fatty acid.
ABN received its award in ceremonies held Sept. 17 at the Wyndham Baltimore Hotel.
The Daily Record is Maryland's premier source of statewide business and legal news. The "Innovator of the Year" program was co-sponsored by the Maryland Dept. of Business & Economic Development, the law firm of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston L.L.P., PricewaterhouseCoopers, and McDaniel College.
ABN Receives Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant to Develop Novel Platform Technology for Oral Vaccines to Combat Fish Diseases
COLUMBIA, MD--June 4, 2003--Advanced BioNutrition (ABN), a leader in developing products to promote health and control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture, announced that it has been awarded $190,000 in funding from the Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) Grant Program for a study entitled "Novel Oral Vaccine for Infectious Salmon Anemia."
The focus of this research is to develop a platform with enhanced immunogenicity enabling effective oral delivery of vaccines. ABN's initial focus is on ISAV and IPNV, devastating diseases of salmonids. The platform is designed to be flexible, in order to address a number of fish diseases. Successful enablement of this platform could then be applied to diseases in terrestrial animals and to human vaccine development.
The S-K program is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service. Principal investigators on this grant are ABN's Dr. F.C. Thomas Allnutt and Dr. Ruth Barratt.
David J. Kyle, CEO of ABN, said, "The technology to be developed under this grant will not only solve a major problem in salmon aquaculture, but effective oral vaccine delivery could revolutionize the way we control disease in all aquatic animals.
"Such a significant biotech advancement would move aquaculture one step closer to the production efficiencies of the poultry industry."
About
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.:
Advanced BioNutrition, the first of a new breed of aquabiotech
companies, is a leader in developing products that promote health
and control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture.
ABN applies established biotechnological principles to create
proprietary, science-based animal health and nutrition products.
The company is headquartered in Columbia, MD. www.advancedbionutrition.com.
Advanced BioNutrition Completes Series A Financing With $2.5 Million Investment; Funding Will Speed Entry Into Animal Health and Nutrition Market
COLUMBIA, MD, May 20, 2003 - Advanced BioNutrition (ABN), a leader
in developing nutritional products to promote health and control
disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture, announced
that it has closed the final round of its Series A financing with
a $2.5M investment. This new funding, added to the $3.5M raised
previously, closes the company's Series A round with a total of
$6M raised.
The round was led by Sherbrooke Capital and included all of ABN's original investors: Eastbourne Capital Management, L.L.C., Maryland Dept. of Business and Economic Development, angel investors and the company founder.
ABN will use the proceeds to complete development of its lead animal health products and bring them to the marketplace. The proceeds will also be used to complete development of a novel protein production system that has implications for the human health area, including the rapid production of new vaccines.
³We're pleased that all our original investors have shown such confidence in ABN's business model,² said David J. Kyle, ABN's President and CEO. ³Our ability to secure funds during such a difficult fundraising environment confirms our belief in ABN¹s technology and its impact on animal health and nutrition.²
ABN was formed in 2001 by Dr. David J. Kyle, a co-founder of Martek Biosciences Corporation [Nasdaq: MATK]. ABN has filed 16 patent applications in the past 12 months, in addition to completing two licensing agreements capturing the use of DHA and ARA in aquaculture and certain terrestrialanimals.
About
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.:
Advanced BioNutrition, the first of a new breed of aquabiotech
companies, is a leader in developing nutritional products to promote
health and control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture.
ABN applies established biotechnological principles to create
proprietary, science-based animal health and nutrition products.
The company is headquartered in Columbia, MD.
www.advancedbionutrition.com.
COLUMBIA, MD, November 7, 2002 - Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN),
a leader in developing nutritional products to promote health and
control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture, announces
that it has recently entered into collaborative research and development
projects with two California universities: California State University
Hayward (CSUH) and San Diego State University (SDSU).
SDSU's Dr. Arun K. Dhar, Adjunct Associate Professor in the Dept. of Biology, will lead research to monitor gene expression in healthy and virus-infected shrimp by DNA microarray analysis to better understand the molecular basis of viral disease in shrimp. Viral disease is responsible for significant commercial losses each year in the shrimp industry.
At CSUH Dr. Beverly Dixon, Professor of Biological Sciences, will lead research to isolate and to identify novel strains of intestinal anaerobic bacteria in fish and to establish their potential for use as probiotic supplements in feeds.
David Kyle, President and CEO of ABN, said, "We are pleased to work with these top class researchers who are applying cutting edge technology to real challenges in aquaculture. This research will be of great importance as we pursue our mission of generating solutions to major problems in the global aquaculture industry."
About
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.
Advanced BioNutrition (ABN) is a leader in developing nutritional
products to promote health and control disease in the fields of
aquaculture and agriculture. ABN applies established biotechnological
principles to create proprietary, science-based animal health and
nutrition products. The company is headquartered in Columbia, MD.
www.advancedbionutrition.com
For
more information, contact:
Al Cunniff
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.
Director of Corporate Communications
Phone 410-730-8600
Email acunniff@advancedbionutrition.com
COLUMBIA, MD, August 28, 2002 - Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN),
a leader in developing nutritional products to promote health and
control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture, has
announced that it has expanded its management team to drive sales
growth and capture the larger market for nutrition and disease prevention.
The new members of ABN's senior management team include:
- David L. Alldredge, COO. A leading expert on the business of aquaculture and the management of aquaculture facilities, Alldredge is a 10-year industry veteran whose background includes serving as President of Sanders Brine Shrimp Co. Prior to that he worked for more than 20 years in international commercial and investment banking.
- Diane E. Clayton, Ph.D., Director, ABN Europe Ltd. Dr. Clayton brings to ABN more than 18 years of experience in nutritional product development and research within the R&D organizations of Nestle, Novartis and Jacobs Suchard. She manages ABN's newly established European headquarters, based near London.
"These seasoned executives bring experience and insight that will be invaluable in helping us execute our growth plans for our international aquaculture business," said David J. Kyle, President and CEO.
Also joining ABN are:
- Ruth Barratt, D.V.M., Ph.D., Research Scientist. An expert in aquatic veterinary medicine, Dr. Barratt holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from The Johns Hopkins University, and a D.V.M. from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Robert A. Bullis, D.V.M., Director of Animal Health and Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining ABN, Dr. Bullis served as national director of the U.S. Marine Shrimp Farming Program and Technical Director of Animal Health at The Oceanic Institute, Center for Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology (Hawaii). He has over 20 years of experience in the development of diagnostic, research and educational programs in aquatic animal medicine and marine sciences.
- Lawrence C. Giessinger, Director of Sales. Giessinger joins ABN with an extensive background in global sales of aquaculture feeds and supplements. As a consultant he helped Zeigler Bros. establish a distributor and sales network in Asia, and before that served as Sales and Marketing Manager for Sanders Brine Shrimp Company.
"This is the team I envisioned for ABN, combining experience and skills from the areas of veterinary medicine, agriculture business, aquaculture sales and the European scientific community," Kyle added.
About
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.
Advanced BioNutrition (ABN) is a leader in developing nutritional
products to promote health and control disease in the fields of
aquaculture and agriculture. ABN applies established biotechnological
principles to create proprietary, science-based animal health and
nutrition products. The company is headquartered in Columbia, MD.
www.advancedbionutrition.com
For
more information contact:
Al Cunniff
Director of Corporate Communications
Advanced BioNutrition
Phone: 410-730-8600
Email: acunniff@advancedbionutrition.com
COLUMBIA, MD, June 19, 2002 - Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing nutritional products to promote health and control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture, today announced the seven individuals who will serve on its newly formed Board of Directors.
The board includes former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Daniel R. Glickman, oral vaccine and plant biology expert Dr. Charles Arntzen, and former Dupont Agriculture executive William F. Kirk.
"I am extremely pleased to have this group of highly knowledgeable executives on our board-they bring a wealth of expertise in the business of agriculture biotechnology," said David Kyle, CEO of ABN. "Our Board will provide guidance and oversight for ABN as we rapidly grow our aquaculture business, and expand into the much larger market for nutrition and disease prevention in agriculture."
The seven individuals named to ABN's board include:
- David J. Kyle (Chairman) is Founder, President and CEO of Advanced BioNutrition Corp. Prior to establishing ABN, Dr. Kyle co-founded Martek Biosciences Corporation (Nasdaq: MATK).
- The Honorable Daniel R. Glickman served as Secretary of Agriculture of the United States from March 1995, to January 2001. Mr. Glickman has been a partner and remains an advisor in the public law and policy practice group of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld L.L.P., in Washington, D.C. He was recently named head of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, effective August 1.
- Dr. Charles J. Arntzen is internationally recognized for his work on the development of transgenic plants to yield oral vaccines. Professor Arntzen is the Florence Ely Nelson Presidential Chair in Plant Biology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ and Founding Director of the ASU Biomedical Institute.
- William F. Kirk has 37 years of experience in the Agricultural Division of the DuPont Co., where as Group Vice President he led their $4.5 billion Agriculture Business and served as a member of the CEO's Strategy/Operating Committee.
The company's Series A investors are represented by:
- Jim Carruthers Jr., Managing Director, Eastbourne Capital Management, L.L.C.
- John K. Giannuzzi, Managing General Partner, Sherbrooke Capital.
- George Haywood, a private investor.
About
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.
Advanced BioNutrition (www.advancedbionutrition.com) is a leader
in developing nutritional products to promote health and control
disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture. Advanced BioNutrition
applies established biotechnological principles to create proprietary,
science-based animal health and nutrition products. The company
is headquartered in Columbia, MD.
For
more information contact:
Al Cunniff
Director of Corporate Communications
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.
Phone: 410-730-8600
Email: acunniff@advancedbionutrition.com
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.'s Latest Round of Funding Co-led by Sherbrooke Capital; Funding will further ABN's product development, and accelerate sales initiatives in Asia, Latin America
COLUMBIA, MD - March 20, 2002 - Sherbrooke Capital Partners, L.L.C. announced that it is co-leading an investment in Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), an animal health and nutrition company based in Columbia, MD. ABN is a leader in developing nutritional products to promote health and control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture.
Sherbrooke Capital invested $1.0 million in ABN, co-leading a total equity financing of $3.6 million with Eastbourne Capital Management, L.L.C., which is based in San Rafael, CA. The round also included investments by the State of Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and individuals. ABN will use the additional funding to further its product development and accelerate its sales initiatives in Asia and Latin America.
Dr. Kyle, CEO of ABN, said, "We are pleased by the confidence that the leading health and wellness fund has taken in ABN. We are on the cutting edge of significant advancements in aquaculture, an area we believe is poised for the kind of growth that agricultural biotechnology has enjoyed over the past 20 years."
John Giannuzzi, Managing General Partner of Sherbrooke Capital, said, "We are very excited about our investment in Advanced BioNutrition. We believe that the Company's technology platform has tremendous potential in the aquaculture industry and beyond. We also believe that ABN's management team, under David Kyle's leadership, has the experience, dedication and passion to realize that potential."
ABN has applied its science-based technology to develop highly specialized natural nutrition products that initially target the aquaculture industry. It is also developing disease control products that address major health and environmental challenges facing that industry. ABN sells a product line called AquaGrow®, specialty feeds based on microalgae designed to deliver high dosages of DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid that has been shown in controlled studies to enhance fish growth and natural immunity. In the area of disease management, ABN is developing a unique concept of delivering specific disease control elements to fish and crustaceans via microbial feeds. The goal is to provide farmers with a cost effective and efficacious tool against disease, while at the same time, significantly reduce the usage of antibiotics in this industry. ABN believes that its platform of nutrition and disease control can be expanded to other areas of animal care, including the terrestrial agriculture and companion animal markets.
ABN was formed in 2001 by Dr. David Kyle, a co-founder and former Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Martek Biosciences Corporation (Nasdaq: MATK). During his 16-year tenure at Martek, Kyle invented the technology that resulted in the commercialization of Martek's highly successful DHA- and ARA-based nutritional products. These products are now being added to infant formulas in more than 60 countries worldwide.
ABN has in-licensed more than 40 issued patents pertaining to Martek's animal products and technology, including the AquaGrow product line. Introduced in 1999, AquaGrow began to establish an international customer base, which ABN will immediately seek to expand.
About
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.:
Advanced BioNutrition (www.advancedbionutrition.com) is a leader
in developing nutritional products to promote health and control
disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture. Advanced BioNutrition
applies established biotechnological principles to create proprietary,
science-based animal health and nutrition products. The company
is headquartered in Columbia, MD.
About
Sherbrooke Capital:
Sherbrooke Capital (www.sherbrookecapital.com) is a $100+ million
venture capital fund which invests exclusively in the rapidly-growing
health and wellness industry. Sherbrooke's investment focus encompasses
functional foods and beverages, nutritional ingredient businesses,
therapeutic bioactives, prevention and self-care oriented diagnostic
product and service companies, healthcare related consumer products
and medical information technology.
For more information contact:
Al Cunniff
Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.
Phone: 410-730-8600
Email: acunniff@advancedbionutrition.com
Advanced BioNutrition Receives MIPS Grant to Develop Novel Fish Vaccine
COLUMBIA, MD-Feb. 5, 2002-Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN), a leader in developing nutritional products to promote health and control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture, announced that is has received a $115,000 award from the MIPS (Maryland Industrial Partnerships) program to develop a novel fish vaccine.
Research under this grant will be conducted by Dr. Vikram N. Vakharia of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute's Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Dr. F.C. Thomas Allnutt of Advanced BioNutrition Corp.
"This MIPS grant validates the exiting promise of delivering disease control through nutrition," said David J. Kyle, president and CEO of ABN. "This is a fundamental building block in the foundation of ABN's core business."
Peter Hudson, Associate Director of MIPS, said, "The MIPS program is interested in ABN's research because we feel it is important to the development of Maryland's aquaculture industry. We are pleased to participate in a cutting edge approach that offers such promise."
The MIPS program was created to promote the commercialization of advanced technology through university and industry partnerships, and to strengthen the economy of the state of Maryland.
About
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.:
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing nutritional products
to promote health and control disease in the fields of aquaculture
and agriculture. Advanced BioNutrition applies established biotechnological
principles to create proprietary, science-based animal health and
nutrition products. The company is headquartered in Columbia, MD.
www.advancedbionutrition.com
Company focuses on rapidly growing worldwide animal health
and nutrition market
COLUMBIA, MD-Nov. 14, 2001-Advanced BioNutrition Corporation (ABN), a leader in developing nutritional products to promote health and control disease in the fields of aquaculture and agriculture, has announced that it has raised $2.5 million in Series A funding.
The round was led by Eastbourne Capital Management, L.L.C. and included investments from the State of Maryland, as well as angel investors.
The Company will use the proceeds to expand its sales and marketing efforts, and to further its research into minimizing the use of antibiotics in the aquaculture industry.
ABN was formed in 2001 by Dr. David J. Kyle, a co-founder of Martek Biosciences Corporation [Nasdaq: MATK]. During his 16-year tenure at Martek, Kyle, who served as the firm's Senior Vice President of Research and Development, invented the technology that resulted in the commercialization of Martek's highly successful DHA- and ARA-based nutritional products.
These products are now being added to infant formulas in more than 60 countries worldwide.
ABN, whose initial focus will be to commercialize science-based aquaculture products, has in-licensed more than 40 issued patents pertaining to Martek's animal products and technology, including the AquaGrow product line. Introduced in 1999, AquaGrow began to establish an international customer base, which ABN will immediately seek to expand.
"We're excited to invest in ABN, which we see as the next leader in the rapidly expanding space of animal health and nutrition," said Eric M. Sippel, Chief Operating Officer of Eastbourne Capital Management, L.L.C. "We are impressed by the magnitude and importance of ABN's business opportunity, by their use of proven science, and by the fact that they are starting with a product whose benefits and market acceptance are already known."
Dr. David J. Kyle, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced BioNutrition, said, "Advanced BioNutrition is leading the field in applying established biotechnology to aquaculture health and nutrition. We are on the cutting edge of advancements in aquaculture, an area we believe is poised for the kind of growth that agricultural biotechnology has enjoyed over the past 20 years."
About
Dr. David J. Kyle:
Dr. David J. Kyle, the named inventor on more than 70 patents in
the area of biotechnology and nutrition and a founder of Martek
Biosciences Corporation, most recently served as the company's Senior
Vice President, Research and Development.
Prior to co-founding Martek in 1985, Dr. Kyle held positions at Martin Marietta Corp., the Centre d'Etudes Nucleaires of Saclay, France, and the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Kyle received a Ph.D. in physiology and biochemistry from the University of Alberta, and a B.S. degree in biology from the University of Victoria.
About
Advanced BioNutrition Corp.:
Advanced BioNutrition is a leader in developing nutritional products
to promote health and control disease in the fields of aquaculture
and agriculture. Advanced BioNutrition applies established biotechnological
principles to create proprietary, science-based animal health and
nutrition products. The company is headquartered in Columbia, MD.