9 July 2018 – To satisfy increasing customer demand for antifouling coatings including Selektope® in the marine market, Swedish bio-technology innovator I-Tech AB plans to evaluate an advanced European manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates as its large-scale production partner in Europe.
Within an agreed timetable, I-Tech and its potential manufacturing partner aim to optimize and adapt I-Tech processes for production of Selektope® at scale at an existing plant. The development program is of strategic importance for I-Tech as it supports the company’s long-term aim to continuously strengthen the supply chain and maximize the delivery capability for Selektope®.
Having recently acquired the IPR and technical expertise to undertake the Selektope® synthesis, and appointed a new supply chain and logistics manager, the new initiative aims to further strengthen the I-Tech supply chain,and improve the competitive edge in its key markets.
Selektope®, chemically known as medetomidine, is an organic, non-metal compound that is very efficient at preventing barnacle fouling when used in traditional marine coating systems. Characterized by high efficacy at extremely low concentrations (0.1% w/w) with ultra-low leaching, the biocide repels barnacle settlement on ships’ hulls by temporarily stimulating the barnacle larvae’s swimming behavior. Tests have shown that antifouling coatings containing Selektope® offer superior hard fouling protection, resulting in lower water resistance and decreased fuel consumption, in addition to reduced maintenance costs.
Philip Chaabane, CEO I-TECH AB, comments: “In recent years, I-Tech has been successful in scaling up the production of its unique technology from quantities measured in kilos to a robust manufacturing platform producing at multiple tons scale. As customer demand continues to increase, it is important for I-Tech to develop redundancy as well as competitive scale in its manufacturing capability. This evaluation program supports our long-term goals for Selektope® to prosper and meet increasing demand in key markets”
About Selektope
Selektope® introduces a unique, bio-repellent mode of action to combat barnacle settlement. By temporarily stimulating the octopamine receptor, the barnacle larvae’s swimming behavior is activated and the organisms are deterred from the hull. These ground-breaking discoveries enable unrivalled power at very low concentrations, yet within the limits of rigorous risk assessments. Selektope® is an organic, non-metal compound with efficacy proven at 0.1% w/w.
About I-Tech AB
I-Tech is a Gothenburg based bio-tech company with global reach, holding all IP and regulatory rights to the antifouling agent Selektope® (generic name, medetomidine). The company is privately held and is supported by Swedish Energy Association, the European Innovation Initiative Eco-Innovation and FP7 SeaFront. The company is a member of the Astra Zeneca BioVentureHub.
Read more at www.i-tech.se
Contact details
Philip Chaabane, CEO
Philip.Chaabane@i-tech.se
+46 (0) 73 910 37 08
