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Epax has launched what it claims is the 'world’s first' commercially available very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLC-PUFA) product, Epax Evolve 05.

VLC-PUFAs, a subset of omega-3 fatty acids, have been linked to potential benefits in healthy aging. Research suggests they may support vision, bone density, muscle strength, skin health and male fertility.

Epax identified VLC-PUFAs in fish oil a decade ago and developed a method to concentrate them, securing multiple patents. This led to the creation of Epax Evolve 05, the 'first' commercially available VLC-PUFA product.

Epax Evolve 05 contains ten times the VLC-PUFA content of crude fish oil and is part of Epax’s patent-protected NovusLipid range.

Regulatory authorities have cleared the product for sale in key markets. In the EU, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority determined it is not a Novel Food. In the US, Epax obtained self-affirmed GRAS status after safety evaluations.

Bjørn Refsum, CEO of Epax, said: “VLC-PUFAs offer enormous potential in areas like vision and healthy ageing. However, research into their benefits was previously hindered by a lack of material containing VLC-fatty acids in significant amounts."

"We’re proud to have been able to develop a VLC-concentrate that opens the door for further research and brings a new family of valuable fatty acids to the marketplace. The stage is set for a new era for omega-3.”

Epax now offers Epax Evolve 05 samples for research studies.