Agricoltura
Akeso Biomedical Receives EU Authorization for CI-FER® as a Feed Additive in Piglets
CI-FER [iron (III) citrate chelate] for piglets is Akeso's first product for the EU market based on its Fe3C technology. The company conducted five efficacy studies in the EU to demonstrate that piglets receiving CI-FER grew faster, exhibiting higher body weights and better feed efficiency than control piglets. The improved performance was also seen when comparing CI-FER to other iron sources.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that the effects of CI-FER could not be ascribed to a nutritional effect only since CI-FER delivered better performance than other iron sources when piglet feeds were supplemented at the same iron concentrations. Three trials demonstrated better fecal quality in weaned piglets that received CI-FER . In one trial, oxidative stress parameters and gene expression in the mid-jejunum and ascending colon of weaned piglets were measured, and showed significant improvements, indicative of post-weaning health benefits.
The Fe3C technology was discovered at the University of Nottingham by Dr. Mahdavi, Professor Soultanas, and Professor Ala'Aldeen. This technology – targeted at reducing pathogen biofilm formation at gut mucosal interfaces - is protected by an intellectual property portfolio of 15 issued patents. A number of challenge studies carried out in broiler chickens with CI-FER have demonstrated significant reductions in enteric bacteria associated with animal and human diseases, notably , , and , as well as improved zootechnical performance, and reduced mortality.
Simon Williams , CEO of Akeso Biomedical, said, "We are very excited to bring CI-FER to the European market ahead of the EU ban on medicinal use of zinc oxide, widely used at high veterinary doses to improve gut health, reduce diarrhea, and enhance performance."