Neptune Now Owns 78 Issued Worldwide Patents

Laval, Quebec, November 16, 2011 - Neptune Technologies and Bioressources Inc. (Nasdaq: NEPT) (TSX-V: NTB), announces that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”) has issued a new U.S. patent No. 8,057,825 that protects and provides Neptune with the exclusive use of krill extracts in the U.S., as a method for reducing cholesterol, platelet adhesion and plaque formation.

While the previous, recently awarded U.S. patent No. 8,030,348 secured Neptune’s intellectual property on a composition of novel omega-3 phospholipids, which are the main bioactive ingredients in all krill oils, this new patent grants Neptune protection on specific cardiovascular health benefits when using krill extracts, such as reduction of cholesterol, platelet adhesion and plaque formation.

“With this additional patent, Neptune is the only company exploiting krill while benefiting from protected intellectual property and commercialization rights for those cardiovascular applications. This is another major gain, strengthening our leading edge in the U.S. market” said Michel Timperio, Vice-President Business Development. “Competitors and distributors, previously claiming in the U.S. market these benefits for their krill extracts, will now be compelled to modify their claims and/or enter into licensing agreements with Neptune” he added.

“This new patent increases the number of our patents to 78 and reinforces Neptune’s leadership in the krill/omega-3 phospholipids market. Since its inception, Neptune’s focus on intellectual property and patent protection has always been an integral part of the strategic action plan of Neptune’s management team and a key component of its vision for value creation” said Henri Harland, President and CEO. “It is normal ethical business practice not to infringe on IP protection and a legitimate right and duty to enforce it when infringed. Even though Neptune remains open to negotiate commercialization license agreements since these additional assets enhance our commercial offering, making Neptune a partner of choice in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, Neptune will always stand by its patents and will continuously enforce them” he stated. 

“The issuance of this patent is also a major advantage to Neptune’s subsidiary, Acasti Pharma Inc. (“Acasti”) (TSX-V: APO). Acasti is focused on bringing to market highly purified forms omega-3 phospholipids for the treatment of cardiometabolic/cardiovascular diseases” added Henri Harland.


About Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc.

Neptune is an industry-recognized leader in the innovation, production and formulation of science-based and clinically proven novel phospholipid products for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets. The Company focuses on growing consumer health markets including cardiovascular, inflammatory and neurological diseases driven by consumers taking a more proactive approach to managing health and preventing disease. The Company sponsors clinical trials aimed to demonstrate its product health benefits and to obtain regulatory approval for label health claims. Neptune is continuously expanding its intellectual property portfolio as well as clinical studies and regulatory approvals. Neptune’s products are marketed and distributed in over 20 countries worldwide.

Acasti Pharma (TSXV: APO) is developing a product portfolio of proprietary novel long-chain omega-3 phospholipids. Phospholipids are the major component of cell membranes and are essential for all vital cell processes. They are one of the principal constituents of High Density Lipoprotein (good cholesterol) and, as such, play an important role in modulating cholesterol efflux. Acasti Pharma’s proprietary novel phospholipids carry and functionalize the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have been shown to have substantial health benefits and which are stabilized by astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant. Acasti Pharma is focusing initially on treatments for chronic cardiovascular and cardiometabolic conditions within the over-the-counter, medical food and prescription drug markets.

NeuroBioPharm is pursuing pharmaceutical neurological applications, and a clinical study for a medical food product with a multinational partner is already initiated. The development of a prescription drug candidate is currently in progress. Advanced clinical development and commercialization is planned to be carried out with multinational partners.