Pharming gets Japanese patent on human lactoferrin
a Japanese patent on its recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF), an
ingredient being targeted at nutraceutical and food makers.
The patent covers the production and purification of the lactoferrin using the Pharming's technology as well as the substance's use in food formulations.
In Japan, bovine lactoferrin is currently used as an additive in food products as well as a nutritional supplement. Japan represents a significant geographic market for recombinant human lactoferrin, said the company.
"The granting of the Japanese patent is an important element of Pharming's commercialisation strategy for recombinant human lactoferrin in Asia," said Francis Pinto, CEO of Pharming.
Lactoferrin is found in both cows' and human milk and is particularly concentrated in colostrum, the substance newborns receive at birth before breast milk is fully established.
The natural protein helps to fight and prevent infections and plays an important role in the defense system of infants. It is also present in various body fluids and continues to play an important role against a wide range of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens in adults.
A paper published in Transgenic Research confirms the virtually identical structure of Pharming's recombinant human lactoferrin and lactoferrin found in the human body, claims Pharming.
The firm has recently completed a study that demonstrates that the oral application of rhLF is safe. It has submitted the results for publication.
It is also sending the results and the opinion of an expert committee on rhLF as part of a dossier to the US Food and Drug Administration for approvale of its Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status.
Along with other value-added whey fractions, lactoferrin is currently enjoying strong growth, hitting 20 per cent per year in some geographical areas, according to research from 3A Business Consulting.
