Selisseo gets EU approval for use in animals

Tetrahedron has designed and patented the novel selenium compound NutraSelen and its associated industrial manufacturing process. NutraSelen is a new L-selenomethionine precursor which, when absorbed by the body, is biotransformed into L-selenomethionine, a natural source of selenium for humans and animals.

Selenium is an essential micro-nutrient that is derived from the soil and ascends the food chain until ingested by humans. Selenium intake depends on soil selenium content and varies significantly by geographical area. In some regions of Asia where the soil selenium content is very low, deficiencies have been observed which can lead to serious disorders of the heart (Keshan disease), bones (Kashin-Beck disease) or the neuro-muscular system. In the form of selenocysteine in enzymes, selenium helps to protect cellular components from oxidant damage, regulate cell redox homeostasis and support proper immune, reproductive and thyroid functions.

In April 2009, Tetrahedron signed an exclusive global license agreement with Adisseo, a provider of animal nutritional additives and solutions, to use NutraSelen in animal nutrition. The financial terms of the Adisseo agreement were not disclosed. Adisseo then took on development of the product under the name of Selisseo. It submitted the MA application in November 2011. The EFSA (European Food Safety Agency) delivered a favorable opinion in January 2013. The MA was issued by the European Commission in May 2013 for the use of Selisseo in Europe in feed for all species of domestic animals (sheep, cattle, pigs and poultry).

Selisseo is the first proprietary organoselenium-based product to be granted an MA in Europe for use in animal nutrition. The other selenium supplements currently available in this market are inorganic selenium salts and selenium-enriched yeasts. Selisseo is safe and provides a high bioavailability.

“The success of this first industrial project is a mark of credibility for Tetrahedron and demonstrates our ability to lead innovative projects from design through to industrial production,” said Jean-Claude Yadan, president of Tetrahedron. “We are currently seeking a partner to acquire a license in human nutrition for NutraSelen. Other innovative Tetrahedron products in the areas of nutrition and cosmetics are at an advanced stage of development. One of our most advanced projects relates to the nutritional ingredient Ergoneine(R), which is pure synthetic L-ergothioneine. We are currently preparing its launch on the US market for Q1 2014.”

“We are pleased to see products designed by companies at the Biocitech life science park being released to market,” said Jean-François Boussard, chairman of Biocitech. “The human and animal nutrition sector is growing, and the innovative products and processes developed by Tetrahedron will ensure that the company can develop and sustain its position in this market niche.”