LAVAL, Quebec, Canada - March 27, 2012 - Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. (“Neptune”) (NASDAQ.NEPT - TSX.NTB) today announces that it has appointed Platinum VIII Investements & Media LLC. (“Platinum”) as investor relation (“IR”) firm for the United States (“US”).

Neptune has entered into an IR agreement with Platinum on March 23, 2012, to develop and implement a capital markets program for US. The term of the IR Agreement is for a period of six months. In addition to a fee of $10,000 per month, Platinum has been granted options to purchase an aggregate total of 150,000 common shares of Neptune at a price of $3.15 per share.  The options will vest in equal amounts at the rate of 15% per quarter and have a three-year term expiring on March 23, 2015.

 

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.