Whole-Algae Products Represent an Extension of Cellana’s Multi-Product Biorefinery Model
for the Profitable Production of Photosynthetic Algae Biomass
That Can Address Feeds, Fuels, Nutraceutical, and Cosmetic Applications Simultaneously

San Diego, CA and Kailua-Kona, HI – (Marketwire -06/23/14) – Cellana, Inc. today announced that it has entered into a letter of intent with Galil Algae Cooperative Agriculture Society Limited, with the objective of partnering for the production of high-value algae products for aquaculture applications.  Currently, Cellana produces industrial-scale quantities of ReNew™ Algae – high-value algae biomass rich in Omega-3 nutritional oils, proteins, fuel-grade oils, cosmetic-grade oils, acids, and polysaccharides, as well as other valuable micronutrients – at its Kona Demonstration Facility in Hawaii.  At its facility in northern Israel, Galil Algae currently produces a variety of whole-algae products that are rich in Omega-3s for aquaculture applications.

The main goal of the program contemplated by the letter of intent is to identify, cultivate, develop, and scale up algae strains with immediate commercial value, emphasizing the high-value components for existing aquaculture, mariculture, nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical, and/or cosmetic applications.  The starting points for the commercial venture are to include the existing high-Omega-3 algae strains of Cellana and Galil Algae, as well as (i) potential new and improved strains identified through non-GMO strain optimization techniques such as selective breeding and/or (ii) additional naturally occurring strains identified through bioprospecting.  In addition, the letter of intent contemplates Cellana and Galil Algae exploring the establishment of a new algae research and development center in northern Israel. This new R&D center, together with the R&D activities to be undertaken at Cellana’s facility in Hawaii, would be a focal point for the development and testing of new or optimized strains of high-value algae biomass.

“This newly-established relationship with Galil Algae is an extension and validation of Cellana’s core competencies in minimizing contamination in large-scale outdoor algae biomass production and in growing algae strains that naturally produce high-value Omega-3 oils,” stated Martin A. Sabarsky, Chief Executive Officer of Cellana.  “Many of the same strains that can be grown for aquaculture hatchery applications can also be good sources of crude oil for fuel applications, proteins for animal feed and food applications, and oils and polysaccharides for cosmetic applications,” continued Mr. Sabarsky.  “Galil Algae’s algae strains for aquaculture hatchery applications are qualitatively better than competing products based on their Omega-3 profile and other qualities.  We look forward to finalizing the definitive agreements with Galil Algae and working closely with Galil Algae to expand commercial-scale production of these high-value products.”

“Galil Algae looks forward to partnering with Cellana, which has a world-class demonstration facility and proven contamination control strategies that can advance Galil Algae’s R&D and commercial programs,” stated David Tsoran, CEO of Galil Algae.  “Galil Algae’s high-performing, high-Omega-3 algae strains fit very well with Cellana’s approach to commercial strain development and market focus within the nutraceutical and aquaculture sectors in particular.”

About Cellana

Cellana, a leading developer of algae-based bioproducts, uses the most productive plants on earth — marine microalgae — to photosynthetically produce its ReNew™ line of Omega-3 EPA and DHA oils, animal feed/food, and biofuel feedstocks.  Cellana’s patented ALDUO™ system enables economic, sustainable and consistent production of photosynthetic, non-GMO algae at industrial scale. Cellana intends to construct and operate commercial facilities to produce these products as integrated algae-based biorefineries. To date, over $100 million has been invested in developing Cellana’s algae strains, patented and proprietary production technologies, and its Kona Demonstration Facility. Further information is available at: www.cellana.com.

About Galil Algae

Galil Algae, located at the northern part of Israel (Upper Galilee) and owned by two well established Israeli kibbutzes, Sasa and Dan.  The company has developed a unique culture system for micro-algae. The leading algae species is an EPA-rich Nannochloropsis oculata proprietary strain, which together with other algae species is the basis for a number of high-value products for aquaculture and nutraceutical sectors.

Cellana®, the Cellana logo, ALDUO, ReNew, and other trademarks or service names are trademarks of Cellana, Inc

 

Contacts:

Selena Ellis-Vizcarra
Sr. Director of Corporate Development, Cellana
+1 877-208-5070
selena@cellana.com

Piia Aarma
Pineapple Tweed PR
+1 808-221-2102
piia@pineappletweed.com