Entia Biosciences Receives Patent for Use of Ergothioneine in Foods and Beverages

SHERWOOD, Ore., June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Entia Biosciences, Inc. (OTCBB: ERGO) (ENTIA) today announced that it has received a patent from the Nation of Canada covering the "Use of Ergothioneine as a Preservative in Foods and Beverages."  The new patent No. 2,680,223 expires on March 7, 2028 and has also been filed with the United States Patent Office and the European Union.  The food and beverage preservation patent is the first of the Company's many patent applications to issue and was invented by Drs. Marvin Hausman, MD and Robert Beelman, Ph,D.  Other patent applications awaiting approvals cover a number of health-related uses for Ergothioneine, including treatment of autoimmune diseases (arthritis, diabetes, alopecia, psoriasis), neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's), anemia of dialysis, traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Ergothioneine (Ergo) is an amino acid that is made in few organisms, notably filamentous fungi (mushrooms), and is considered a "master antioxidant".  Ergo is an electron donor that has been shown to neutralize free radicals and the oxidation processes that lead to cell death and the introduction of harmful toxins and chemicals to foods and beverages.  The addition of a synthetic or extracted Ergo can slow the rate of spoilage and extend the shelf life of a wide variety of products. Flavor is also enhanced when the company's 100% Organic ErgoD2™ mushroom-based whole food formulations are used.  In addition to being one of the primary natural sources for Ergo, mushrooms are also one of the few foods that stimulate the sense of Umami, a deliciously savory fifth taste quality (besides sweet, sour, bitter, and salty) discovered in the late 1800's by the great French chef Auguste Escoffier.  It is now known that humans have receptors for Umami, which is produced by several amino acids and nucleotides (such as glutamate and aspartate).  ENTIA believes that its ErgoD2™ formulations can be a cost effective and healthier alternative to monosodium glutamate (MSG) and other chemical additives that are currently being used for flavor enhancement around the world.

The patent claims include but are not limited to a method of preserving a food, beverage or medicine with L-Ergothioneine (Ergo), where Ergo replaces an antioxidant composition, antimicrobial composition, and/or sulfur dioxide preservatives.  The use claims apply to preservation of canned, frozen, dried, or fresh fruits, vegetables, red and white wine, beer, baked goods, fruit juices, butter, meats, pet foods, cosmetics, medicines, and even the preservation of petroleum and rubber products. Ergo may be used as a replacement for all or part of the antimicrobial/preservative sulfur dioxide or other sulfites traditionally used in the wine making process.

"We are particularly pleased with the issuance of this new patent because it substantiates our years of research to better understand the science and commercial applications for Ergothioneine technology," stated Marvin S. Hausman MD, CEO, Entia Biosciences, Inc.   "From fruit juices, to pasta sauces, to the meals ready to eat (MREs) for our military, this important patent opens a significant new market opportunity for our Company and our customers. Entia intends to partner with forward looking food and beverage companies wanting to differentiate their products with proprietary solutions to improve human health." A report from Leatherhead Food Research showed the global market for food preservatives reached $1.35 billion in 2010 and industry analysts see increasing demand from emerging markets in the coming years.  Global demand for MSG in 2010 was 2.16 million tons according to Ajinomoto of Japan, the world's largest MSG manufacturer.

About Entia Biosciences, Inc.

ENTIA is an emerging leader in food science biotechnology that identifies, scientifically validates, and commercializes solutions that address multi-billion dollar markets for organic health, beauty and agriculture. Formerly named Total Nutraceutical Solutions, the Company's growing portfolio of intellectual property includes extraction, enhancement, and uses for some of the most powerful antioxidants and bio-nutrients occurring in nature.

Any statements contained in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks associated with the transaction described in this press release, and other risks identified in the filings by Entia Biosciences (ENTIA) and/or Total Nutraceutical Solutions (TNS), Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further information on risks faced by ENTIA and TNS are detailed in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These filings are or will become available on a website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov. The information contained in this press release is accurate as of the date indicated. Actual results, events or performance may differ materially. ENTIA and TNS does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

For more information, please visit our web sites at www.entiabio.com or contact:
Devin Andres
Vice President
Entia Biosciences, Inc.
13565 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd Sherwood, OR, 97140
Phone: 503-334-3575 Email: [email protected] 

SOURCE Entia Biosciences, Inc.