Redpoint Announces Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) Determination for RP44 Sweetness Enhancer

"We look forward to the completion of the commercialization process and thus, adding RP44 to our portfolio of Health & Wellness solutions for our customers. Receiving the GRAS certification is an important milestone in that process," says Mark Dewis, VP R&D, Flavors for IFF.

Nov 4 2010 --- Redpoint Bio Corporation, a company focused on the development of healthier foods and beverages and new approaches to the treatment of diabetes and obesity, announced that it has achieved a $500,000 milestone resulting from FEMA GRAS approval of RP44, the all-natural sweetness enhancer that Redpoint licensed to International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. in June 2010.

The milestone was achieved upon IFF's notification by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) that the all-natural sweetness enhancer, RP44, had been determined to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, administered by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FEMA GRAS status establishes an ingredient as safe under the conditions of intended use as a flavoring material. This status is recognized in many countries outside the U.S. and potentially contributes towards regulatory acceptance in others. Pursuant to the terms of the license agreement, Redpoint would be due an additional $500,000 milestone if IFF enters into a supply agreement subject to certain commercial criteria.

"We look forward to the completion of the commercialization process and thus, adding RP44 to our portfolio of Health & Wellness solutions for our customers. Receiving the GRAS certification is an important milestone in that process," says Mark Dewis, VP R&D, Flavors for IFF.

Background: RP44

In June 2009, Redpoint announced that its researchers had identified an all-natural, non-caloric sweetness enhancer called RP44. Derived from the stevia plant, RP44 amplifies the existing sugary sweetness in a food or beverage so that less sweetener is required, while retaining the "clean sweet taste" that is associated with sugar.