Transgene to commercially produce new API

NEW DELHI: Transgene Biotek today said it will start commercial production of active pharmaceutical ingredient DHA, which is used for reducing heart diseases and strengthening the nervous system.

"We have completed the production of this product in pilot batches and now plan to commence commercial production shortly at a third party facility having large fermentation infrastructure," Transgene Biotek said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

The company claimed that according to a Frost & Sullivan report, the market for Omega-3 fatty acids is expected to grow over 62 per cent in the coming years.

The market for Omega-3 fatty acids was estimated at USD 2 billion in 2007, the company added.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EHA) are Omega-3 fatty acids and are used as a supplement in foods, food ingredients, beverages, nutritional oils and consumer health products, besides the pharmaceutical industry.

Shares of Transgene Biotek were trading at Rs 44.25 apiece on the BSE in the afternoon today, up 4.98 per cent from their previous close.