Arcadia Biosciences and DuPont Pioneer Achieve Milestone in the Development of High-Value Specialty Oil
— Arachidonic Acid Oil Produced in Safflower Provides Cost-Effective
Source for Critical Nutritional Oil Ingredient —
DAVIS, Calif., & DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKDA) and DuPont Pioneer (NYSE: DD)
today announced the successful field-trial validation of safflower
plants that produce high levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, a
high-value, specialty nutritional oil for global consumer markets. The
achievement of this key milestone represents a significant step in the
collaboration between Arcadia and DuPont Pioneer to develop a new
plant-based and cost-effective source of oil with high levels of ARA.
ARA is an omega-6 fatty acid that, along with certain omega-3 fatty
acids, plays a critical role in neural and visual development of
infants. It is one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain, and
neurological health is reliant upon sufficient levels of ARA.
ARA is used as a functional ingredient in many infant nutrition
products, and has been shown to provide developmental benefits similar
to breastfeeding. Its use in nutritional products has been reviewed and
supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health
Organization. High ARA safflower plants will offer an alternative and
more efficient source for the ingredient that will improve manufacturing
economics and encourage wider use of ARA.
“The newly developed safflower oil could ultimately provide a renewable
and sustainable source of this nutritionally important fatty acid. Since
sunlight provides all the energy needed to make ARA in safflower seed
oil, this production technique also is very cost-effective when compared
with current commercial methods,” said Tony Kinney, research director,
DuPont Pioneer.
“The achievement of this milestone further demonstrates Arcadia’s
expertise in developing high-value nutritional oils leveraging our
omega-6 platform,” said Raj Ketkar, CEO of Arcadia. “The development of
ARA safflower oil will expand Arcadia’s nutritional oil offerings and
will build on our experience in the development, regulatory management,
production and marketing of these high-value products.”
Arcadia’s ARA safflower oil is in the late stages of product
development. Regulatory approval would be sought prior to
commercialization.
About Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.
Based in Davis, Calif., with additional facilities in Seattle, Wash. and
Phoenix, Ariz., Arcadia Biosciences (Nasdaq: RKDA) develops agricultural
products that create added value for farmers while benefitting the
environment and enhancing human health. Arcadia’s agronomic performance
traits, including Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Water Use Efficiency,
Salinity Tolerance, Heat Tolerance and Herbicide Tolerance, are all
aimed at making agricultural production more economically efficient and
environmentally sound. Arcadia’s nutrition traits and products are aimed
at creating healthier ingredients and whole foods with lower production
costs. The company was recently listed in the Global Cleantech 100 and
was previously named one of MIT Technology Review’s 50 Smartest
Companies. For more information, visit www.arcadiabio.com.
About DuPont Pioneer
DuPont Pioneer is the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced
plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90
countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help
increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop
sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with
Service Delivering Success®.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering
to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials,
and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with
customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders, we can help find
solutions to such global challenges as bringing enough healthy food for
people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting
life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and
its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
including statements relating to Arcadia’s ARA safflower oil.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results
should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These
risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: Arcadia’s and
its partners’ ability to develop and market commercial products
incorporating ARA safflower oil; the company’s compliance with laws and
regulations that impact the company’s business, and changes to such laws
and regulations; the company’s future capital requirements and ability
to satisfy its capital needs; and the other risks set forth in the
company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time
to time, including the risks set forth in the company’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and other filings.
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and
Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update these
forward-looking statements.
The DuPont Oval logo, DuPont™ and all products, unless otherwise
noted, denoted with ™, ℠ or ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.
Contacts
Arcadia Biosciences
Jeff Bergau
312-217-0419
jeff.bergau@arcadiabio.com
or
DuPont
Pioneer
Susan Mantey
614-902-0836
susan.mantey@pioneer.com
