Genomic Validation and Commercialization of MAG-EPA as a Prebiotic

Since 2015, a patented monoglyceride-based formulation of the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (MAG-EPA) has been undergoing clinical trials in prostate cancer patients. These studies are being conducted jointly by SCF Pharma Inc. and the group of uro-oncologist Vincent Fradet, M.D. Ph.D. of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de l'Université Laval (CHUL) in Quebec City. In one of these studies on patients undergoing surgery, daily per os intake of MAG-EPA was shown to modulate not only the patients' intestinal microbiota, but also that of the prostate itself. This modulation of the microbiota is thought to be the mechanism of action leading to a reduction in cancer aggressiveness and a lower risk of cancer recurrence after five (5) years' follow-up. Since 2022, a new topical formulation of MAG-EPA made from microalgae has been developed as a skin prebiotic to help eczema patients restore their skin microbiota. The aim of the present project is to validate the clinical effect of MAG-EPA as a prebiotic using genomics for three (3) clinical studies in prostate cancer and one topical clinical study on eczema patients. With this validation, commercialization of two (2) MAG-EPA formulations will be initiated in Canada, the United States and South Korea.