Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AstaFerm (A natural and high quality ingredient for dietary supplement derived from yeast fermentation to reduce oxidative stress and promote health and wellbeing) Reporting period: 2019-09-01 to 2019-12-31 Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the ability of the human body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including free radicals and singlet oxygen are produced both in the body and by external environmental factors. Once it enters body’s cells, these highly reactive species present in the nucleus and in the cells’ membranes are capable of directly damaging the cell's DNA, lipids and proteins. This cellular damage by oxidative stress is the major cause of many health conditions, including atherosclerosis, all inflammatory conditions, aging process, diabetes, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The most effective way to protect the body against oxidative stress –and hence promote healthy ageing – is the intake of dietary antioxidants. NextFerm is an Israeli food-tech company founded in 2013 with the goal to provide the market with the most efficient anti-oxidant naturally available, Astaxanthin, to reduce the negative effects of oxidative stress and promote health and wellbeing. NextFerm’s AstaFerm™ is a natural ingredient for dietary supplement to reduce oxidative stress and enable anti-inflammation relief. AstaFerm™ is composed of an Astaxanthin-rich extract derived from the fermented biomass of the Phaffia rhodozyma yeast strain. AstaFerm™ is capable of 40% higher oxidative stress resistance than algae counterparts. AstaFerm™ increased purity, availability in various forms and better flavour at a competitive cost will not just attract and benefit Health conscious population, but also allow Dietary supplement manufacturers to foray into a new market of producing astaxanthin formulations enabling a new revenue stream with increased economic benefits. The key objectives of the AstaFerm™ development are to optimize the formula, scale up the production and perform clinical validation. Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far During the project, NextFerm defined the users’ requirements, reviewed the product development plan, defined the scale-up activities, and scouted for clinical validation partners to support in the clinical validation stages. The market segments and opportunities have also been evaluated, defining the Total and Serviceable Available Market (TAM and SAM). NextFerm established a sound commercialisation strategy. The Phase 1 feasibility assessment showed that a development plan for the AstaFerm™ is technically and commercially viable, and that implementation of a commercialisation plan should be pursued. EIC Accelerator Pilot funding could provide the correct amount of funding and support to allow the stated activities to be implemented successfully. Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far) One of the greatest challenges currently facing Europe is how best to adapt EU policies and strategies to meet the demands associated with demographic change. According to the latest estimates, by 2050, there will be more than 2 billion people aged over 50, corresponding to 22% of the future world population, more than doubling the 2018 global senior population of 951 million. Proactive measures are necessary to tackle the future challenges posed by an ageing population and ensure a healthy and active population for the future. In order to achieve this, the importance of health and being healthy must be promoted throughout the course of life, starting with investment in early years and continuing through into old age. NextFerm has responded to this challenge by offering AstaFerm™, the most effective antioxidant available till now. AstaFerm™ intends to: Enable EU citizens to lead healthy, active and independent lives while ageing; Improve the sustainability and efficiency of social and health care systems; Boost and improve the competitiveness of the markets for innovative products and services, responding to the ageing challenge at both EU and global level, thus creating new opportunities for businesses. AstaFerm packaging
