What is sciadonic acid and where does it come from?
SCI is a 20-carbon fatty acid, with three double bonds in a non-methylene interrupted arrangement, in positions 5,11, and 14 counting from the carboxyl end of the molecule. SCI is found in many conifer (naked/gymnosperm) seeds such as pines and junipers
What are the benefits of sciadonic acid? And how does it compare to other anti-inflammatory products on the market at the moment?SCI has a unique mechanism of action (MOA) in being incorporated into specific and unique phospholipid pools, where it displaces pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (ARA). It thus acts to curb inflammation early in the inflammation cascade. SCI is more oxidatively-stable than fatty acids with more than two methylene-interrupted double bonds, and can thus be added to products requiring a longer shelf life. In about 20 studies with human cells and rodents, SCI was shown to have anti-inflammatory products, both orally and topically. Benefits were seen in inflammation models of the lungs, skin (edema), kidneys (lupus), gut (sepsis), and joints (arthritis). Its benefits were typically greater than fish oil, when the two were compared. Based on the MOA of SCI, we expect SCI to have additive- or synergistic benefits when combined with fish oils, nutraceutical anti-oxidants, and anti-inflammatory drugs (all covered by our intellectual property).
How did the discovery of the properties of SCI fatty acids come about?Dr. Alvin Berger is recognized as an eminent lipid nutritionist and biochemist, and out-of-the-box thinker. As part of his interest in the diets and remedies used by indigenous people and in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), he became aware that conifer seeds rich in SCI were consumed for their purported anti-inflammatory properties, to help with a variety of conditions. The molecular structure of SCI suggested that it could be an ARA-mimetic displacing ARA from membrane phospholipids, and would have anti-inflammatory properties by not serving as a substrate for the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes that form pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. During his Ph. D beginning in 1987, he showed that SCI had potent anti-inflammatory properties in the rodent models evaluated. Dr. Berger dreamed of commercializing his findings for nearly 30 years; and with his innovative-, experienced-, and diverse partners, this is now a reality.
What do you see as the potential applications for this ingredient?SCI could be consumed straight as an edible oil, or mixed into functional nutraceutical beverages and foods. It also has potential to be used in medical- and clinical foods, and in Pharma in the future. It can be used alone, or mixed with other anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals and drugs.
What is likely to be the impact on diseases such as obesity and arthritis?As arthritis is a condition where inflammation is associated with elevated ARA, as expected, SCI was shown to have benefits in a mouse model of arthritis and this should be translatable to the human situation. As obesity and metabolic syndrome have anti-inflammatory components, we expect SCI to be beneficial. We have confidential data suggesting some conifer oils could have weight management benefits. Several rodent studies have shown SCI to decrease cholesterol and triglycerides, and these are also sequelae associated with obesity.
For how long have you been developing this product? Can you explain a bit more about the development process – from concept to reality?Sciadonics Inc. has been commercializing SCI in earnest and with rigor, for three years. We first analyzed seeds from around the world to find sources of SCI that would be economically-feasible, available in suitable supply, and with some history of safe use. The unique sources were then patented. The next steps (in progress) are to develop a commercial extraction process, complete regulatory milestones, complete animal- and clinical testing, and identify go-to-market (GTM) partners.
What about the future? What’s your next project?
SCI is one of several fascinating conifer-derived functional fatty acids we are developing. In the future, we will focus on mixtures of SCI with these other functional fatty acids and with other nutraceutical ingredients. We will pursue additional clinical targets for our oral and topical pipeline. We will continue to collaborate with innovative partners. We will expand our IP. We will work with additional investors and partners to make this all happen! Be a part of this exciting, game-changing opportunity!
SCI is a 20-carbon fatty acid, with three double bonds in a non-methylene interrupted arrangement, in positions 5,11, and 14 counting from the carboxyl end of the molecule. SCI is found in many conifer (naked/gymnosperm) seeds such as pines and junipers
What are the benefits of sciadonic acid? And how does it compare to other anti-inflammatory products on the market at the moment?SCI has a unique mechanism of action (MOA) in being incorporated into specific and unique phospholipid pools, where it displaces pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (ARA). It thus acts to curb inflammation early in the inflammation cascade. SCI is more oxidatively-stable than fatty acids with more than two methylene-interrupted double bonds, and can thus be added to products requiring a longer shelf life. In about 20 studies with human cells and rodents, SCI was shown to have anti-inflammatory products, both orally and topically. Benefits were seen in inflammation models of the lungs, skin (edema), kidneys (lupus), gut (sepsis), and joints (arthritis). Its benefits were typically greater than fish oil, when the two were compared. Based on the MOA of SCI, we expect SCI to have additive- or synergistic benefits when combined with fish oils, nutraceutical anti-oxidants, and anti-inflammatory drugs (all covered by our intellectual property).
How did the discovery of the properties of SCI fatty acids come about?Dr. Alvin Berger is recognized as an eminent lipid nutritionist and biochemist, and out-of-the-box thinker. As part of his interest in the diets and remedies used by indigenous people and in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), he became aware that conifer seeds rich in SCI were consumed for their purported anti-inflammatory properties, to help with a variety of conditions. The molecular structure of SCI suggested that it could be an ARA-mimetic displacing ARA from membrane phospholipids, and would have anti-inflammatory properties by not serving as a substrate for the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes that form pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. During his Ph. D beginning in 1987, he showed that SCI had potent anti-inflammatory properties in the rodent models evaluated. Dr. Berger dreamed of commercializing his findings for nearly 30 years; and with his innovative-, experienced-, and diverse partners, this is now a reality.
What do you see as the potential applications for this ingredient?SCI could be consumed straight as an edible oil, or mixed into functional nutraceutical beverages and foods. It also has potential to be used in medical- and clinical foods, and in Pharma in the future. It can be used alone, or mixed with other anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals and drugs.
What is likely to be the impact on diseases such as obesity and arthritis?As arthritis is a condition where inflammation is associated with elevated ARA, as expected, SCI was shown to have benefits in a mouse model of arthritis and this should be translatable to the human situation. As obesity and metabolic syndrome have anti-inflammatory components, we expect SCI to be beneficial. We have confidential data suggesting some conifer oils could have weight management benefits. Several rodent studies have shown SCI to decrease cholesterol and triglycerides, and these are also sequelae associated with obesity.
For how long have you been developing this product? Can you explain a bit more about the development process – from concept to reality?Sciadonics Inc. has been commercializing SCI in earnest and with rigor, for three years. We first analyzed seeds from around the world to find sources of SCI that would be economically-feasible, available in suitable supply, and with some history of safe use. The unique sources were then patented. The next steps (in progress) are to develop a commercial extraction process, complete regulatory milestones, complete animal- and clinical testing, and identify go-to-market (GTM) partners.
What about the future? What’s your next project?
SCI is one of several fascinating conifer-derived functional fatty acids we are developing. In the future, we will focus on mixtures of SCI with these other functional fatty acids and with other nutraceutical ingredients. We will pursue additional clinical targets for our oral and topical pipeline. We will continue to collaborate with innovative partners. We will expand our IP. We will work with additional investors and partners to make this all happen! Be a part of this exciting, game-changing opportunity!