Viral Genetics provides update on VG Energy
By Erin Voegele | August 08, 2011
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Viral Genetics Inc. hosted recently hosted a conference call to update investors and other interested parties on the progress the company has made. This included information on its VG Energy subsidiary, which is working in the algae biofuels sector.
In a statement released prior to the call Viral Genetics CEO Haig Kaledjian said that VG Energy continues to exceed the company’s expectations. “The algal biofuel segment of the alternative energy markets is garnering the largest share of institutional, [venture capital] and corporate investment dollars in the biofuel market, and is seen as the economically viable alternative to petroleum based fuels,” he said. “We are pursuing several pathways for commercialization of VG Energy’s technology.”
According to information released by the company VG Energy has successfully completed the first phase of an independent industrial-scale demonstration of Metabolic Disruption Technology (MDT) lipid-enhancing compounds. The company states that this resulted in significantly increased yields of oils from algae. A statement provided by the company further notes that the second phase of the testing is dose response analysis, which examines whether manipulation of different quantities of MDT compounds can further enhance yields. Once this testing is complete, Viral Genetics said it will be followed by industrial scale testing in a closed bioreactor. Finals results of the testing are expected to be available in two to three months.
In addition VG Energy is also testing MDT compounds on additional strains of algae, and algae grown using different processes. This includes testing in open ponds. The company also states it is actively exploring strategic partnerships and business relationships, including licensing or collaborative research relationships.
“We have only scratched the surface of the market that can benefit from our technology,” said Kaledjian during the call. “The next milestone to watch for the announcement of the conclusion of the proof that we’ve allowed of proof of efficacy in increasing yield and also determined programmed doses in each of these different production facilities.”
