Lonza Acquires Nutrinova DHA Business

With the acquisition of DHA, Lonza expands its portfolio of nutrition businesses within Organic Fine & Performance Chemicals with a health ingredient already well recognized by educated consumer groups.

19/12/05 Lonza has acquired Nutrinova’s DHA business including know-how, patents and registrations in the major global markets. With the acquisition of DHA, Lonza expands its portfolio of nutrition businesses within Organic Fine & Performance Chemicals with a health ingredient already well recognized by educated consumer groups. The proprietary fermentation technology of the acquired DHA business provides exclusive access to a unique production strain. Lonza’s process development excellence and manufacturing expertise combined with the ability to become a leading provider of DHA will significantly enhance the value of this business for our customers.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is a fermentation based health ingredient derived entirely from natural microalgae. It is one of the most important Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Numerous scientific as well as clinical studies have demonstrated positive health effects of DHA in particular, in the areas of heart health and brain function. Due to its vegetarian source and superior sensory properties relative to fish oil, DHA has broad applications in the dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages and speciality sectors. Nutrinova DHA has suceesfully been introduced in numerous foods and supplements around the world during the past two years.

Lonza said that the DHA-business is synergistic with the current L-Carnitine and Niacin franchises of Lonza and will further strengthen the existing distribution channels worldwide. With this acquisition a first important strategy milestone has been completed. Nutrinova’s superior DHA technology, talented workforce and experience in biotechnology and the food & beverage and health care markets make it an excellent complement, the company said.