Integrin Advanced Biosystems press release 050505 Page 2
Integrin Mussel in on Major Government Contract (page2)
Marketing Group to ensure that shellfish produced in the UK are free from algal toxins
and thus safe for consumers to eat.
"This contract gives Integrin an even greater role in this important area of food safety at
a time when food safety has never had such a high profile.
"This contract will also result in considerable strengthening of Integrin's commercial
positioning, and we are looking forward to using it as a springboard to an expansion of
our commercial activities relating to marine toxins, including their use, as potential new
pharmaceuticals."
Notes to editors:
1.
Integrin was founded in September 1999 and was the first marine biotechnology
company in the UK. It is has two commercial divisions: marine biodiscovery and
seafood safety. The commercial activities of Integrin range from delivery of
marine-related fee for service products through to cutting edge research and
development of novel biopharmaceuticals and platform technologies.
2.
Shellfish poisoning is caused by a group of toxins elaborated by planktonic algae,
upon which the shellfish feed. The toxins are accumulated and sometimes
metabolized by the shellfish. The 20 toxins responsible for paralytic shellfish
poisonings (PSP) are all derivatives of saxitoxins. Diarrheic shellfish poisoning
(DSP) is presumably caused by a group of high molecular weight polyethers,
including okadaic acid, the dinophysis toxins, the pectenotoxins, and yessotoxin.
Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) is caused by the unusual amino acid, domoic
acid, as the contaminant of shellfish.
3.
Food Standards Agency Scotland was launched on 3 April 2000. The officials
who will carry out the Agency's work in Scotland comprise the Director Scotland
(George Paterson), two Deputy Directors and some 50 members of staff with a
range of policy and professional expertise.
vitt@integrin.co.uk
www.integrin.co.uk
