Arcadia to launch gamma linolenic safflower
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Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. has received US$15 million to commercially launch a line of safflower oil made from plants genetically engineered to produce higher-than-usual amounts of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). The company expects to begin marketing the product with its commercial partner, Bioriginal Food and Science Corporation, in late 2008.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid (EFA) in the omega-6 family that is found primarily in plant-based oils. EFAs are essential to human health but cannot be made in the body. For this reason, they must be obtained from food. EFAs are needed for normal brain function, growth and development, bone health, stimulation of skin and hair growth, regulation of metabolism, and maintenance of reproductive processes.

The investment in Arcadia was led by Exeter Life Sciences, with full participation of other key shareholders including CMEA Ventures, BASF Venture Capital America Inc., and Saints Capital. The company will use proceeds from the financing to fund and complete the launch of Arcadia's GLA Safflower Oil - the company's first commercial product - and to accelerate development of new technologies with enhanced agricultural traits.

In addition to the GLA trait in safflower, Arcadia working to develop nitrogen use efficient, water use efficient, and salt tolerance traits in plants such as canola, corn, wheat, rice, cotton, sugar beets, sugarcane, and turf grass. The company has research and commercial agreements with Monsanto, DuPont, ScottsMiracle-Gro, SESVanderHave, Mahyco Seed Company, and several other organizations.

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