Cyanotech Corporation: Pioneers in Natural Products Sourced from Microalgae

In 1983 Cyanotech Corporation, Kailua-Kona, HI, was established to produce high quality, high value natural products derived from microalgae. At the time, the company viewed the more than 30,000 different strains of microalgae comprising this class of underwater organisms as an untapped, natural, renewable resource available for the production of a vast array of healthful products, as microalgae have a wide range of physiological and biochemical characteristics and naturally contain high levels of nutrients. Starting with a 5-acre production facility on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, the company’s production facility today stands on 90 acres.

Cyanotech produces microalgae products for the nutritional supplement and immunological diagnostics markets, in addition to products for the aquaculture feed/pigments and food coloring markets. It currently markets its products in over 30 countries through a combination of retail, wholesale and private label channels.

According to Dr. Gerald Cysewski, president and CEO, the company’s motivation for becoming involved in the nutraceuticals industry was spurred when it recognized an opportunity to combine its advanced technology with its location on Hawaii’s pristine Kona Coast to produce high quality spirulina. Since that time, Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica, a unique strain of spirulina developed by the company, which provides a vegetable-based, highly absorbable source of natural beta-carotene, mixed carotenoids and phytonutrients, B vitamins, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), protein and essential amino acids, has become recognized as a quality standard.

In 1996 it was the first company to commercially produce natural astaxanthin from microalgae. In 1998 the company recognized the functional health properties of natural astaxanthin and in 1999 received clearance from the FDA to market its BioAstin natural astaxanthin to the nutraceuticals industry.

Cyanotech’s proprietary technologies, systems, processes and favorable growing location permit year-round growing and harvesting of its microalgae products in a cost-effective manner. Its production system operates without the use of pesticides and herbicides, and does not create erosion, fertilizer runoff or water pollution. In addition, the company developed its patented Ocean Chill Drying system especially to eliminate the oxidation of carotenes and fatty acids, which occurs in standard dryers.

Cyanotech’s portfolio of algae-derived products include BioAstin, natural astaxanthin, which is used in the nutritional supplement industry; NatuRose, natural astaxanthin, which is used in the international aquaculture and animal feed industries; Spirulina Pacifica, which is a nutrient-rich dietary supplement; and phycobiliproteins, which are fluorescent pigments used in the immunological diagnostic market. While the markets for spirulina and phycobiliproteins are mature, BioAstin natural astaxanthin represents a unique opportunity for the company, according to Dr. Cysewski. “BioAstin is a new product in the supplement market with unique health benefits,” he commented. “It is a powerful antioxidant—as much as 500 times stronger than vitamin E—it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and it can cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver health benefits to the central nervous system.”

In terms of research, Cyanotech has completed five double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials with BioAstin that demonstrate its safety, antioxidant strength, effectiveness in reducing joint pain and effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and carpel tunnel syndrome.

Offering his opinion on the state of the industry, Dr. Cysewski said that overall the nutraceuticals industry is healthy and will continue to grow for many years to come. “This growth will be fueled by the aging population and a move by the industry to clinically prove positive health effects of all products,” he said.—T.W.

Cyantotech Corporation
73-4460 Queen Kaahumanu Highway
Suite 102
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Telephone: 808-326-1353
Fax: 808-329-3597
E-mail: gcysewski@cyanotech.com
Website: www.cyanotech.com