Martek Posts Negative Study Results
Thursday May 12, 6:11 pm ET
Martek Study Misses Endpoint; Product Shows No Significant Cut in Triglyceride Levels
COLUMBIA, Md. (AP) -- Martek Biosciences Corp., a maker of microalgae-derived nutritional oils, said Thursday that a study of its docosahexaenoic acid treatment in obese patients failed to show any significant reduction in triglyceride levels -- a common indicator of heart disease risk.
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The study evaluated obese patients with mildly abnormal concentrations of blood lipids to see if Martek's docosahexaenoic acid treatment would lower their triglycerides levels. After 26 weeks, the treatment group's triglyceride levels were lower, but not much different from the placebo group.
The only statistically significant result was a reduction of C-reactive protein in the groups taking docosahexaenoic acid. The company said emerging research has suggested that high levels of this protein are associated with vascular inflammation and elevated risk of heart disease.
Martek's oil are used in infant formulas, nutritional supplements and as food ingredients.
Separately Thursday, Martek said European regulators ruled in its favor in a dispute over a patent covering food production processes. The decision overturns a 2000 ruling.
Nasdaq-listed shares of Martek slipped 41 cents to $40 in recent after-hours trading.
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