Martek Biosciences/Abbott Labs
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Martek has licensing agreements with manufacturers producing roughly 85% of U.S. and 60% of worldwide infant formula, the firm says, noting it recently signed Abbott Labs as a licensee. The agreement permits Abbott to use Martek's oils containing DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). However, the inclusion of DHA and ARA in infant formulas in the U.S. remains controversial. Martek awaits an FDA decision on a GRAS notification, filed by the company March 1, for use of DHA and ARA in formulas. If FDA approves the notification, each licensee must obtain authorization from the agency before marketing a DHA- or ARA-containing formula in the U.S