SHERWOOD, Ore., June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Entia Biosciences,
Inc. (OTCBB: ERGO) (ENTIA) today announced that it has received a
patent from the Nation of Canada
covering the "Use of Ergothioneine as a Preservative in Foods and
Beverages." The new patent No. 2,680,223 expires on
March 7, 2028 and has also been filed
with the United States Patent Office and the European Union.
The food and beverage preservation patent is the first of the
Company's many patent applications to issue and was invented by
Drs. Marvin Hausman, MD and
Robert Beelman, Ph,D. Other
patent applications awaiting approvals cover a number of
health-related uses for Ergothioneine, including treatment of
autoimmune diseases (arthritis, diabetes, alopecia, psoriasis),
neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's), anemia of
dialysis, traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD).
Ergothioneine (Ergo) is an amino acid that is made in few
organisms, notably filamentous fungi (mushrooms), and is considered
a "master antioxidant". Ergo is an electron donor that has
been shown to neutralize free radicals and the oxidation processes
that lead to cell death and the introduction of harmful toxins and
chemicals to foods and beverages. The addition of a synthetic
or extracted Ergo can slow the rate of spoilage and extend the
shelf life of a wide variety of products. Flavor is also enhanced
when the company's 100% Organic ErgoD2™ mushroom-based whole food
formulations are used. In addition to being one of the
primary natural sources for Ergo, mushrooms are also one of the few
foods that stimulate the sense of Umami, a deliciously savory fifth
taste quality (besides sweet, sour, bitter, and salty) discovered
in the late 1800's by the great French chef Auguste Escoffier. It is now known that
humans have receptors for Umami, which is produced by several amino
acids and nucleotides (such as glutamate and aspartate).
ENTIA believes that its ErgoD2™ formulations can be a cost
effective and healthier alternative to monosodium glutamate (MSG)
and other chemical additives that are currently being used for
flavor enhancement around the world.
The patent claims include but are not limited to a method of
preserving a food, beverage or medicine with L-Ergothioneine
(Ergo), where Ergo replaces an antioxidant composition,
antimicrobial composition, and/or sulfur dioxide
preservatives. The use claims apply to preservation of
canned, frozen, dried, or fresh fruits, vegetables, red and white
wine, beer, baked goods, fruit juices, butter, meats, pet foods,
cosmetics, medicines, and even the preservation of petroleum and
rubber products. Ergo may be used as a replacement for all or part
of the antimicrobial/preservative sulfur dioxide or other sulfites
traditionally used in the wine making process.
"We are particularly pleased with the issuance of this new
patent because it substantiates our years of research to better
understand the science and commercial applications for
Ergothioneine technology," stated Marvin S.
Hausman MD, CEO, Entia Biosciences, Inc. "From
fruit juices, to pasta sauces, to the meals ready to eat (MREs) for
our military, this important patent opens a significant new market
opportunity for our Company and our customers. Entia intends to
partner with forward looking food and beverage companies wanting to
differentiate their products with proprietary solutions to improve
human health." A report from Leatherhead Food Research showed the
global market for food preservatives reached $1.35 billion in 2010 and industry analysts see
increasing demand from emerging markets in the coming years.
Global demand for MSG in 2010 was 2.16 million tons according to
Ajinomoto of Japan, the world's
largest MSG manufacturer.
About Entia Biosciences, Inc.
ENTIA is an emerging leader in food science biotechnology that
identifies, scientifically validates, and commercializes solutions
that address multi-billion dollar markets for organic health,
beauty and agriculture. Formerly named Total Nutraceutical
Solutions, the Company's growing portfolio of intellectual property
includes extraction, enhancement, and uses for some of the most
powerful antioxidants and bio-nutrients occurring in nature.
Any statements contained in this press release that relate to
future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to,
the risks associated with the transaction described in this press
release, and other risks identified in the filings by Entia
Biosciences (ENTIA) and/or Total Nutraceutical Solutions (TNS),
Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further
information on risks faced by ENTIA and TNS are detailed in the
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2011 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
These filings are or will become available on a website maintained
by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov.
The information contained in this press release is accurate as of
the date indicated. Actual results, events or performance may
differ materially. ENTIA and TNS does not undertake any obligation
to publicly release the result of any revision to these
forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or
circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
For more information, please visit our web sites at
www.entiabio.com or contact:
Devin Andres
Vice President
Entia Biosciences, Inc.
13565 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd Sherwood,
OR, 97140
Phone: 503-334-3575 Email: info@entiabio.com
SOURCE Entia Biosciences, Inc.