18 April 2013: Marinova announces new clinical research into blood glucose control
Dr. Helen Fitton, Marinova Chief Scientist and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the Menzies Research Institute in Hobart, Tasmania, has announced that new research has commenced on a human clinical trial study investigating the use of one of its Maritech® fucoidan extracts for blood glucose control. The project will investigate the regulation of serum glucose levels in the short term and long term in normal and ‘pre-diabetic’ populations.
The clinical research will be conducted at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Tasmania, under the supervision of Professor Greg Peterson. A unique, high polyphenol fucoidan compound, derived from the Fucus vesiculosis species of seaweed, will be used in the trials. Short and long term outcomes will include measures of glucose attenuation (relative to placebo), insulin sensitivity, longer term markers of glycated haemoglobin and assessments of inflammation.
It is expected that preliminary results from the trials will be available for publication in the final quarter of 2013.
19 February 2013: Marinova presenting scientific papers at the International Seaweed Symposium in Bali, Indonesia in April 2013
The 21st International Seaweed Symposium will be held at the Nusa Dua Convention Centre in Bali, Indonesia from 21 to 26 April 2013. Two Marinova scientists will be presenting important research papers at the symposium, the theme of which is “Sustainable Seaweed Science”. On 22 April, Dr Helen Fitton, Marinova’s Senior Scientist, will present on “New Directions for Fucoidan”, providing a comprehensive review of the latest scientific findings on the therapeutic benefits of seaweed extracts. On 23 April, Dr Damien Stringer, Marinova’s Product Development Manager, will present on “Characterizing Seaweed Polysaccharides”, providing an overview of the methods, analyses and testing required to accurately classify the bioactive polysaccharide components of brown macroalgae.
The International Seaweed Association and the Indonesian Government are the primary sponsors of the week-long conference. Industry, academic and government delegates from around the world will converge on Bali for this symposium. With increasing pressures on global aquatic environments (and with edible seaweeds playing an increasingly important role in the global food supply), this event takes on even greater significance. More than 20 million tonnes of macro algae was harvested in 2010, of which 95% was grown in aquaculture. Whilst half of all seaweed harvested is destined for direct human consumption as a foodstuff, there is increasing demand for new nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredients derived from sustainable marine plant sources.
For more information on the 21st International Seaweed Symposium, go to http://xxiseaweedsymposium.org/
25 September 2012: Marinova Scientist Wins Prestigious National Chemistry Award
Dr Vicki Gardiner, Operations Manager at Marinova, was last night announced as the 2012 recipient of the RK Murphy Medal by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). This prestigious accolade is awarded for outstanding achievement in process chemistry, chemical engineering or related areas in the chemical industry, including commercial and marketing functions.
In addition to her contribution to the success of Marinova, Dr Gardiner has been instrumental in initiating several high profile national initiatives to promote chemistry. These have included the Women in Science project – a collaborative project between the RACI, Science and Technology Australia, the Bio21 Cluster and University of Melbourne – and the National Chemistry Interaction Exhibition which is currently touring Australia.
Speaking last night at the award ceremony in Wellington, New Zealand, Dr Gardiner cited an enthusiasm for chemistry and a passion for encouraging the next generation of scientists as being the driving forces behind her achievement. “We are all deeply indebted to science; without science - and without the contributions made by chemists in particular – we would not be enjoying the high standards of living that we all now take for granted. I am a strong believer in encouraging the students of today to develop an enquiring mind. I also believe in fostering an enthusiasm for problem solving and generating an appreciation for the potential of chemistry and its contribution to society”.
Dr Gardiner cites Marinova as one example of how a team of like-minded and passionate scientists can contribute to the growth and success of an enterprise that is now recognised globally as the leader in its field.
The R K Murphy Medal is the most prestigious honour awarded by the Industrial Chemistry Division of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. The award consists of a medal, an official citation and $2500, which Dr Gardiner will apply towards promoting chemistry in Tasmanian primary schools.
15 September 2012: Marinova to attend Supply Side West (USA) and Health Ingredients Europe (Germany)
Marinova’s Business Development Manager, Kevin Krail, will be travelling to the USA in early November to attend the Supply Side West dietary supplement ingredient show in Las Vegas between 6-9 November. The following week, Kevin will be in Europe attending the Health Ingredients Europe conference and exhibition in Frankfurt between 13 -15 November. Kevin would welcome the opportunity to meet with our customers, collaborators and any potential clients at these two trade shows. If you would like to meet with Kevin in the USA or Europe, contact us at either info@marinova.com.au or +61 3 6248 5800.
15 August 2012: Marinova encourages the next generations of scientists
As part of its ongoing commitment to developing the skills of young Tasmanians, Marinova has become a major supporter of the Tasmania Science Investigation Awards Program being run by the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE).
Marinova has committed to sponsoring the Hobart region Year 5 and Year 6 Science Investigation Awards for the next three years. These awards are an investigation-based regional science competition that enhances critical thinking and scientific literacy.
“The next generation of scientists can now be found in our primary schools. It is here that science-based organizations such as Marinova should be engaging with students. Governments and companies alike have a responsibility to foster the next generation of inventors; this begins with creating an enthusiasm for science at the primary school level and promoting the multitude of opportunities and benefits that science can provide” says Marinova’s CEO, Paul Garrott.
Marinova also continues to support the PICSE Industry Placement Scholarship Program by hosting senior high school students considering careers in science at its laboratory and production facility.
28 June 2012: Marinova responds to new study on increased deaths from 2009 swine flu pandemic
More than three years after the emergence of the 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 virus, the associated global mortality remains unclear. Approximately 18,500 laboratory-confirmed deaths caused by the 2009 pandemic swine influenza were reported worldwide for the period April 2009 to August 2010. According to the British medical journal, The Lancet (25 June 2012), this number is likely to be only a fraction of the true number of the deaths associated with the swine flu.
A global team of scientists, led by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a lengthy study that recalculated the deaths attributed to the swine flu using a different statistical methodology. They concluded that globally about 284,500 people lost their lives to the Swine flu pandemic, with a high probable range between 151,700 and 575,000. About two-thirds of deaths were caused by respiratory problems and the rest by heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. These numbers are vastly higher than the death outcomes originally reported.
In early May 2010, Marinova reported a breakthrough in its own scientific discovery which showed that Maritech® 926 - a unique fucoidan compound extract from the seaweed species Undaria pinnatifida - could inhibit the swine flu (H1N1) at very low concentrations. This compound was part of testing conducted under contract to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA.
In responding to the new report, Mr Paul Garrott, CEO of Marinova, stated: “These findings offer a very credible response to the critics who, at the time, felt that governments, including Australia, had over reacted to the swine flu and had overspent on research, vaccines and anti-viral drugs.”
“Whilst our Maritech® 926 is not a replacement for vaccines, it is a potent natural extract which may potentially support the immune system against viral attacks. We are continuing to research the anti-viral activity of our fucoidan compounds and we anticipate making further contributions to the existing science in the near term”.
Reference
Dawood, F.S. et al, Estimated global mortality associated with the first 12 months of 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 virus circulation: a modelling study. Lancet Infect Dis, 2012. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(12)70121-4 (Epub ahead of print).
12 June 2012: Winner of Marinova Science Prize Announced
Marinova actively supports and encourages Tasmanian high school students to continue their education and to pursue a career in science. The Marinova Science Prize is an annual award established in 2009 to encourage female secondary students to pursue careers in science-related disciplines. To be awarded each year until 2015, the prize is bestowed upon the best final year science student at The Fahan School in Sandy Bay, Tasmania.
The recipient of this year’s Fahan School Marinova Science Prize is Ms Clare Browne. Clare received an outstanding score in her TCE and has now commenced a degree in medical science at the University of Melbourne.
21 May 2012: Stemtech International and Marinova Pty Ltd agree to long-term strategic supply relationship
Marinova Pty Ltd, a privately-owned Australian biotechnology company, announced today that it has signed a long-term supply agreement with Stemtech International, a science-based company and one of the fastest growing direct marketing companies in the USA. Marinova has granted Stemtech the exclusive rights to use one of its proprietary marine plant extracts in their newly launched SE2 nutritional supplement.
Stemtech’s nutritional products support the release, circulation and migration of adult stem cells to tissues and organs. SE2 is a nutritional supplement that contains a patent-pending proprietary blend of extraordinary all-natural ingredients, including one of Marinova’s marine plant extracts. Stemtech’s wellness products are only available through its independent distributors and are not sold in retail stores.
A human clinical research study (Experimental Hematology: 35 (2007):989-994) conducted by Marinova at the Clinical Haematology and Medical Oncology Unit, Royal Hobart Hospital, Australia, demonstrated that ingestion of a particular marine plant extract (Undaria pinnatifida) caused CD34+ hemopoietic stem cells in the blood plasma to increase significantly. These are the cells that give rise to all lineages of immune cells in the body. In addition, the study found that the CXCR4 molecule population also increased substantially from taking the same ingredient. The CXCR4 molecule is an important adhesion molecule, which facilitates stem cell migration. Marinova’s Chief Scientist, Dr Helen Fitton, said “There are two particularly exciting findings from this trial: firstly, we found more adult stem cells in circulation; and secondly, we found that the stem cells had greater ability to migrate and adhere to where they were needed. This is a very promising development in an emerging and important area of stem cell research.”
On the supply relationship with Stemtech, Marinova’s CEO, Paul Garrott, said “We see a very bright future for Stemtech in this breakthrough area of natural stem cell research and wellness. They are, without doubt, the global leaders in ‘stem cell nutrition’. Our exclusive supply partnership will develop as Stemtech continues to grow. To this end, Marinova is committing to even further stem cell related research on the unique ingredient that we supply exclusively to Stemtech.”
For more information about Stemtech International, please visit www.stemtech.com.
29 March 2012: Marinova announces positive results from NIH anti-viral program
Marinova announced today that several of its Maritech® fucoidan fractions have recently been screened by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and have been shown to inhibit a range of viruses. These most recent findings follow on from earlier assessments at the NIAID which showed that Maritech® Undaria fucoidan was a potent inhibitor of H1N1 and other respiratory viruses.
These results further confirm the potential for fucoidan compounds to be used to control or inhibit a broad range of viral indications. The results also confirm the work of other researchers who have found that Undaria fucoidan was effective in treating influenza in an animal model as well as being a potent inhibitor of the most common strains of the herpes virus.
Since 2009, Marinova has participated in the special antiviral screening program run by the NIAID, a unit of the US National Institutes of Health. This in vitro screening program aims to identify novel compounds with the potential to combat some of the most debilitating allergies, respiratory diseases and viruses.
In ongoing investigations at the NIAID, fucoidan compounds supplied by Marinova are now being assessed for inhibitory activity against two specific respiratory viruses. Results from these assessments will be reported as soon as outcomes are known.
Further information on this program can be found at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/LabsAndResources/resources/dmid/ivscreen/
3 November 2011: Fucoidan Review Paper by Dr Helen Fitton – Chief Scientist, Marinova
A definitive fucoidan review has been written by Marinova’s Chief Scientist, Dr Helen Fitton, and has been published in the Marine Drugs journal.
The article reviews the fucoidan scientific literature from the last 10 years. Unlike previous literature reviews, this article considers the literature from an applied perspective by highlighting key areas of commercial potential.
To read the review, click on the following link: http://www.mdpi.com//1660-3397/9/10/1731/. Dr Fitton's review is also available on the PubMed site.
Reference: Mar. Drugs 2011, 9(10), 1731-1760; doi:10.3390/md9101731
19 August 2011: Marinova receives The Tasmanian Government’s Commercialisation of Science, Technology and Research (©-STAR) Award
Marinova has today been awarded the Commercialisation of Science, Technology and Research (©-STAR) Award for its innovative Maritech® technology.
An initiative of the Tasmanian Government, the award recognises a science and technology company or individual for its early success in commercialising a science and technology product, process or service. Marinova was awarded the ©-STAR Award for its innovative fucoidan extraction process.
Maritech® technology is a cold water, solvent-free extraction method producing high-quality fucoidan extracts free of contaminants and solvent residues, providing Marinova with a safer and more environmentally-friendly plant operation. Unlike other extraction technologies, the Maritech® process enables the productions of characterised fucoidan components to pharmaceutical standard.
22 July 2011: Marinova Receives Commercialisation Australia Funding for Osteoarthritis Research
Marinova is one of 13 companies to receive funding from the Australian government’s Commercialisation Australia initiative – a merit-based assistance program offering funding and resources to Australian companies and researchers.
The grant funds will be used by Marinova to conduct a research study on the effect of Maritech® fucoidan on osteoarthritis. The study is being independently conducted by Professor Stephen Myers of Southern Cross University’s NatMed-Research unit, and follows on from earlier trials which indicated that Marinova's seaweed extract may be as effective as conventional drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
The clinical trial is scheduled to commence in September 2011, with results to be published in 2012.
7 March 2011: Winner of Marinova Science Prize Announced
The Marinova Science Prize is an annual award established to encourage female secondary students to pursue a career in a science-related field. To be awarded each year until 2015, the prize is bestowed upon the best final year science student at The Fahan School in Sandy Bay, Tasmania.
Marinova is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2011 award is Miss Lili Davies who has now embarked upon a degree in medical science at the University of Tasmania. Marinova is thrilled to have been able to provide Lili with a bursary to support her university studies and again congratulates her on her academic achievements.
21 May 2010: Tasmania’s seaweeds to be showcased at National Science Week
Marinova announced today that it has been the successful recipient of a grant from the Australian Government to hold a photographic exhibition of Tasmania’s unique seaweed species. This initiative, which is part of Australia's National Science Week, aims at highlighting the beauty, diversity and ecological value of macro algae growing in Tasmania's pristine temperate coastal waters. The exhibition will be held from the 16 to the 20 August 2010 at the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, Hobart. For more information on this event visit: www.seaweedartmeetsscience.com.
5 May 2010: Seaweed derivative offers new hope for the control of H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus
Marinova announced today that its organic-certified seaweed extract Maritech® 926 has been shown to inhibit the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus at extremely low concentrations. This scientific breakthrough emerged from in vitro testing undertaken by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [NIAID] in the US which investigated the efficacy of Marinova's fucoidan extracts against a range of respiratory viruses. As a result of these findings, Marinova has filed for patent protection over the application of Maritech® 926 in a range of anti-viral applications. To view a copy of the full press release, please click on the link below:
Marinova Swine Flu Press Release
16 February 2010: Winner of inaugural Marinova Science Prize announced
Marinova’s Managing Director, Mr Paul Garrott, today awarded the inaugural Marinova Science Prize to Tamsin Hillliard from The Fahan School. The Marinova Science Prize recognizes students who have shown a strong interest in the field of science during their last three years of secondary education. The recipient of the award also receives from Marinova a generous financial contribution to support their tuition fees for a science-based degree of their choice at university. Tamsin has now commenced her studies in Antarctic Marine Science at the University of Tasmania. This award is one of many examples of Marinova’s involvement with the local community and commitment to encouraging the next generation of marine scientists.
15 February 2010: Millions to benefit from arthritis breakthrough
Marinova announced today the publication of its latest human clinical trials in Biologics: Targets & Therapy. This clinical breakthrough showed that Marinova’s natural seaweed extract can reduce osteoarthritis symptoms in patients by up to 52%. This unique fucoidan ingredient is fast-acting and suitable for vegetarians and people who suffer from allergies associated with shellfish. This makes the product an attractive substitute for alternative therapies from animal-derived sources. View a copy of the full press release.
To download a full copy of the published research paper, please click on the following link: http://www.dovepress.com/a-combined-phase-i-and-ii-open-label-study-on-the-effects-of-a-seaweed-peer-reviewed-article-BTT
14 December 2009: Marinova cuts greenhouse gas emissions and water usage by half
Marinova announced today it will allocate more than $200,000 to further cut its greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its environmental footprint. This green initiative, which includes the installation of Australia’s largest commercial water conditioning system and a reverse osmosis plant into Marinova’s processing facility, is a testimony of Marinova’s commitment to environmental sustainability across all of its operations. The investment will result in annual reductions of total energy use by 92,000 kilowatt hours, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 21 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and recycling of 50 percent of water usage.
14 August 2009: Marinova’s participates in the NIAID's antiviral research program
Marinova announces today its participation in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [NIAID] In Vitro Antiviral Screening Program. Further information on this program can be found at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/LabsAndResources/resources/dmid/ivscreen/
Marinova’s clinical trials have previously demonstrated anti-herpetic properties of Maritech® extracts. The current research will further evaluate the potential antiviral properties of Maritech® extracts against a range of infectious agents including flu and herpes.
27 July 2009: Maritech® extract and cardiovascular health
A clinical study describing the anticoagulant activity of the Maritech® Undaria fucoidan extract has just been published by the Journal of Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis. The study shows Maritech® Undaria fucoidan to be a safe and effective marine ingredient for maintaining healthy blood circulation. These results suggest significant potential for Maritech® Undaria fucoidan to be used in a variety of applications including complimentary travel medicines. Please click on the following link to access this study in PubMed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/searches/1192094/0rSYxbi0VuKzl9yYuTZ51Pt4xMWxGWDICb6URnq_wupLwtY8hsKzsU_dH
4 June 2009: New product launch for inner health and beauty
Marinova announced today the launch of Maritech® Synergy, an organic-certified ingredient made from co-extracted polyphenols and fucoidans targeted at “beauty from within” applications. This unique extract inhibits skin-degrading enzymes and processes, and provides more than twice the antioxidant activity than Vitamin C. Maritech® Synergy can be used in a variety of anti-ageing applications, including inner beauty and skin health supplements.
15 April 2009: Safety of Undaria pinnatifida Confirmed in Cancer Study
A study undertaken by Marinova in end-stage cancer patients to measure the safety of whole Undaria pinnatifida seaweed has been completed. Patients suffering from various end-stage cancers were given oral doses of Undaria capsules in increasing amounts to evaluate their safety. The findings add to the existing scientific literature relevant to the use of Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan as a complementary nutritional support to cancer treatments.
13 March 2009: Marinova’s Launches Triple-E Technology – A Breakthrough in Fucoidan Chemistry
After extensive product development, Marinova today launched its novel Maritech® Triple-E (Electrolyte Enhanced Extraction) technology platform. This unique technology allows Marinova to vary the amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc that are naturally present in the fucoidan fraction and tailor the functional attributes of its ingredients for specific applications, such as joint health and sports nutrition. Utilising its Triple-E technology, Marinova has already successfully produced a calcium-enriched skincare ingredient for an upcoming human clinical trial.
5 January 2009: Marinova Unlocks the Supply of Safe Heparin Alternative
Today Marinova was featured on the ABC Innovation radio program. The interview discusses Marinova’s ability to produce a highly refined fucoidan fraction that can meet United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for use in pharmaceutical applications. The fucoidan extract exhibits physical and chemical characteristics similar to the drug Heparin and has the potential to be developed into a botanical drug to prevent blood clots. Marinova, in collaboration with New Zealand Pharmaceuticals has developed a manufacturing method that ensures the necessary chemical consistency between batches required to meet FDA regulations. While the health benefits of fucoidan have been reported both scientifically and anecdotally for many years, it has only been now such a manufacturing method has been developed. Inconsistent chemical composition has been the major hurdle of natural products being approved for pharmaceutical use. Marinova also has the ability to trace the source of fucoidan right back the position on the seabed from which the seaweed was harvested, another requirement for US FDA approval. For the full interview transcript, visit http://www.abc.net.au/ra/innovations/stories/s2443700.htm
