Equateq Delivers Pharma-Grade DGLA for Skin Health

Scotland-based company to showcase synthetic DGLA at InformEx

Pharma-grade DGLA used to treat eczema, psoriasis, arthritis

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ — The omega-6 fatty acid DGLA, which has potent anti-inflammatory actions and has not previously been readily accessible from any natural source, is now available in commercial quantities and to a super-pure specification, specialist lipid manufacturer Equateq announced in advance of InformEx 2009.

Equateq announced that it has successfully synthesized omega-6 DGLA (Dihomma-Gamma-Linolenic Acid) up to 98% purity. The company now markets the fatty acid as EQT-101, available to researchers, pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies from gram to kilogram batch sizes. Synthetic DGLA, the first public outcome of Equateq’s lipid synthesis programme, which the company has been pursuing at its purpose-built facility in the Western Isles of Scotland, will be presented at InformEx 2009 in San Francisco.

As a precursor to important eicosanoids, hormone-like substances that regulate cell function and have important anti-inflammatory functions, DGLA (20:3 n-6) performs as a ‘sister’ fatty acid to omega-3 EPA. Thus DGLA has potential to treat conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, asthma and arthritis. Found only in some organ meats and glands, and human breast milk, DGLA has been difficult to source in nature. Previously, researchers relied on sourcing GLA from evening primrose or borage oils, which can convert into DGLA in the body. Now, with the introduction of a synthesized brand, researchers can experiment with direct inputs of DGLA.

“There is a lot of wizardry involved in this, as my team has essentially mimicked processes from within the human body in order to deliver DGLA in a super-pure form,” said Equateq CEO Adam Kelliher. “It is a magnificent first result, and we expect to be announcing characterization of several other lipid APIs in the months and years to come.”

Synthetic DGLA has the best potential as the active ingredient within a topical cream for treatment of eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Research indicates that DGLA’s benefits for hyper-proliferative skin disorders may be due to the fatty acid’s role as the raw material in the creation of potent anti-inflammatory compounds called prostaglandin E1 and 15-HETrE. In other recent research showing that DGLA countered the role of inflammatory prostaglandin E2 in animal models, the authors concluded that DGLA administration in humans could be more effective than GLA in reducing symptoms of atopic eczema.

“Cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, or anyone in the business of smooth healthy skin, will grasp the potential of DGLA,” Kelliher said. “It can be the basis of a breakthrough treatment having none of the side effects of steroids, and we can now deliver it to interested parties in a GMP-certified form.”

Equateq will present EQT-101 at the InformEx show in San Francisco, January 27-30, at the Scottish Development International stand number 1142 and during an exhibitor showcase on January 27. Equateq’s cGMP facility in Scotland has been operating for more than 20 years as a dedicated lipid development plant. The privately-owned company sells crystallised omega oil concentrates to the food and nutraceutical sectors and its super-pure Ultra-Rx range of compounds are used by researchers and pharmaceutical companies for exploring Investigational New Drugs.

For further information or interviews with representatives from Equateq, please contact Dr. Adrian Hughes at +31 646124483.

SOURCE Equateq