LAVAL, Quebec, Jan. 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. ("Neptune" or the "Corporation") (Nasdaq:NEPT) (TSX:NTB) announces that it has received "New Food Raw Material" certification in China. Neptune is now able to sell its krill oil nutraceutical products in China, including its premium krill oil, NKO®, as well as its Eco krill oil "EKO™". No quality or safety concerns were found by China's National Health and Family Planning Commission, which attests to the strength of Neptune's products.
"With a population of over 1.35 billion, China offers significant growth potential for Neptune," said Mr. Henri Harland, President and CEO of Neptune. "Consumer demand for nutraceutical products supporting health and wellness continues to expand in China and Neptune intends to capitalize on this important market. The Corporation already has sales representation in China and is actively pursuing sales opportunities."
About Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc.
Neptune is a biotechnology company engaged primarily in the development and commercialization of marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (''PUFAs''). Neptune has a patented process of extracting oils from Antarctic krill, and principally sells omega-3 PUFAs as bulk oil to Neptune's distributors who commercialize them under their private label primarily in the U.S., European and Australian nutraceutical markets. Neptune's products generally come in bulk oil or capsule form and serve as a dietary supplement to consumers. Neptune's head office is located at 545 Promenade du Centropolis, Suite 1000, Laval, Quebec.
Neptune respectively holds approximately 49.95% of the participating and voting rights of Acasti and 96% of the voting rights of NeuroBioPharm Inc. ("NeuroBio"). Through these subsidiaries, Neptune is also pursuing opportunities in the medical food and prescription drug markets. Acasti and NeuroBio respectively focus on the research and development of safe and therapeutically effective compounds for highly prevalent atherosclerotic conditions, such as cardiometabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases, and for neurodegenerative and inflammation related conditions. Acasti's lead prescription drug candidate is CaPre®, a purified high omega-3 phospholipid concentrate derived from Neptune krill oil being developed to address the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic disorders, including hypertriglyceridemia, which is characterized by abnormally high levels of triglycerides.
Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. securities laws and Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unknown factors that could cause the actual results of Neptune to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements which explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements labeled with the terms "believes," "belief," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "will," or "plans" to be uncertain and forward-looking. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in Neptune's public securities filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities commissions. Except as required by law, Neptune disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
"Neither NASDAQ nor the Toronto Stock Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."
CONTACT: Neptune Contacts:
Andre Godin
Chief Financial Officer
+1.450.687.2262
a.godin@neptunebiotech.com
www.neptunebiotech.com
John Ripplinger
Investor Relations
+1.450.687.2262
j.ripplinger@neptunebiotech.com
www.neptunebiotech.com
