Carotech Enters into Exclusive Arrangement with Metagenics for Tocomin SupraBio

04/08/06 Carotech Inc. announces that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Metagenics, Inc. for the commercialization of Tocomin SupraBio – a patented, bio-enhanced, natural, full-spectrum palm tocotrienol complex for the healthcare practitioner channel of distribution in North America (the 'Agreement').

Tocotrienols are a form of vitamin E found in minimal concentrations in plants that have been suggested in scientific studies to offer neuro-protective benefits. Most fat-soluble phytonutrients and antioxidants are poorly absorbed, which results in poor bioavailability. Thus consumers are not getting the optimal benefits, or it takes a longer period of supplementation to see the associated health effects.

Responding to demands from customers worldwide, Carotech embarked on an extensive, 3-year research and development effort to add value and develop novel delivery systems for optimal absorption of tocotrienols. Carotech’s main objective is to offer customers a system that ensures maximum absorption of tocotrienols to reach a therapeutic level at a lower dosage.

Carotech, the leading and largest producer of tocotrienols in the world, was granted a US patent for a unique, bio-enhanced, natural, full-spectrum palm tocotrienol complex that guarantees an increase in blood plasma absorption of tocotrienols by an average of 250% when compared to regular tocotrienol oil extract.

Carotech will collaborate with Metagenics to formulate new and unique products with Tocomin SupraBio, as well as to establish the best commercialization strategy for introducing this novel tocotrienol complex to the healthcare practitioner channel of distribution in North America. The first Metagenics formula featuring Tocomin SupraBio will be a neurological support product for healthy brain function slated for a Fall 2006 launch.

Metagenics, a privately held company, was founded in 1983 with the mission to help patients achieve their genetic potential through targeted nutrition. As the leading developer and manufacturer of natural, science-based nutraceuticals, Metagenics markets its products to healthcare practitioners as innovative approaches to leading health issues.

The Agreement provides Metagenics with the exclusive right to market Tocomin SupraBio to healthcare professionals, with an option to extend this exclusivity subject to Metagenics’ achievement of certain performance criteria.

“This agreement with Metagenics is of great significance to Carotech in that it recognizes the commercial potential of Tocomin SupraBio in the North American healthcare practitioner market. Metagenics will be among the first in the market with this patented bio-enhanced tocotrienol system. We definitely look forward to collaborating with Metagenics, a reputable and experienced nutraceutical company and an ideal long-term strategic partner,” said WH Leong, Vice President, Carotech Inc.

“At Metagenics, we evaluate new ingredients carefully using an in-depth evaluation process that recognizes several aspects of a product, including safety and efficacy,” said  Dr. Deanna Minich, Director of Technology and Program Integration at Metagenics, Inc. “Carotech’s Tocamin SupraBio is a superior source of tocotrienols and has been well-tested in several studies for its ability to protect nerve cells. We look forward to providing our healthcare practitioner customers with this high quality ingredient.”