Aker BioMarine and Acasti Pharma have entered a krill oil supply agreement. The partnership with NASDAQ-listed, biopharmaceutical innovator Acasti will see Aker supply krill oil as a core ingredient for a new hypertriglyceridemia drug.
Aker BioMarine's raw krill oil is used by the Canadian company to create its CaPre development prescription drug, a highly purified omega-3 phospholipid concentrate, designed to treat severe hypertriglyceridemia. A chronic, metabolic condition that contributes to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis, hypertriglyceridemia affects an estimated one-third of the US population alone.
The agreement ensures an adequate raw krill oil supply to meet Acasti's needs, including the anticipated scale-up of production prior to the drug's commercial launch. Furthermore, Acasti was granted certain intellectual property rights, and the parties have agreed to contemplate future commercial collaborations.
We believe it has genuine potential to become the best-in-class omega-3 therapeutic for the management of cardiometabolic disorders
"We are excited to partner with Acasti to support the commercialisation of the first-ever, krill oil-based, prescription drug product, which we believe has genuine potential to become the best-in-class omega-3 therapeutic for the management of cardiometabolic disorders," said Tim de Haas, EVP Human Health & Nutrition, Aker BioMarine. Adding, "We look forward to continuing working with their team on supply initiatives to support this product's path to market."
Commenting on the deal Pierre Lemieux, PhD and Acasti's COO/CSO said, "Aker BioMarine produces high-quality krill oil, which is sustainably harvested and has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This supply agreement secures a reliable source of high-quality starting material for CaPre, which we expect will meet our near-term commercial growth aspirations. In addition, we have plans to leverage Aker BioMarine's expertise and look forward to collaborating on future projects together."
The new drug is in the final stages of testing, prior to US Food and Drug Administration application and approval, and ultimately commercial launch.
