Aker BioMarine and biopharmaceutical company Acasti Pharma have entered an agreement whereby Aker will supply krill oil as a core ingredient for an innovative new hypertriglyceridemia drug
 
Aker’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 U.S. 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 are excited to partner with Acasti to support the commercialization 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. “We look forward to continue 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 U.S. Food and Drug Administration application and approval, and ultimately commercial launch.