LycoRed Granted a European Patent for Extraction of its Natural Tomato Complex

LycoRed holds similar patents granted in several other territories, including the U.S. In the U.S., this patent (USP 7,641,931) is the basis for the GRAS affirmation (GNR 155 and 163) and for the Color Additive Petition (21 CFR 73.585).

7 Aug 2012 --- LycoRed Ltd., Israel, a multinational company, has been granted a European patent for its proprietary extraction process of the Lyc-O-Mato oleoresin from tomatoes. This process is the basis for the “Novel Food approval” of this tomato extract (2009/355/EC), and for the Food additive E 160d(ii) (commission directive 2008/128/EC).

LycoRed holds similar patents granted in several other territories, including the U.S. In the U.S., this patent (USP 7,641,931) is the basis for the GRAS affirmation (GNR 155 and 163) and for the Color Additive Petition (21 CFR 73.585). The new granted patent is an addition to the extensive IP held by LycoRed for its natural products and their application and indications.

“This is important news for the food and beverage industries, where fortifying foods with ingredients offering added health benefits is a key to higher profits,” says Dr. Yoav Blatt, CTO for LycoRed. “Food manufacturers should always be cautious when choosing an ingredient purported to provide health benefits.”

Clinical studies demonstrate that greater intake of lycopene from tomatoes is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and may also offer additional benefits in blood pressure management. Lyc-O-Mato, a tomato lycopene complex, when taken orally, also helps provide year-round protection against free-radical damage and environmental stress, helps to protect the skin from sun exposure and to maintain the healthy appearance and structure of skin that has been exposed to sun.

“Our Lyc-O-Mato contains a specific proprietary natural composition of tomato lycopene and other tomato phytonutrients, including phytoene, phytofluene, tocopherols, phytosterols and beta-carotene, as opposed to other lycopene products available currently on the market,” continues Dr. Blatt.

“We are very happy with this newly granted patent. It is a positive step in our continued efforts to serve our customers worldwide with excellent, high-quality and highly effective ingredients.”

LycoRed is a science-based company with regional facilities in the U.S., Europe, China and Israel. It supplies natural carotenoids such as lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene formulations, plus a wide range of other natural nutritional and coloring ingredients to the dietary supplement, functional food & beverage and nutricosmetic industries worldwide.