New Import Agreement Strengthens Selektope® Supply to Japan

20 September, 2017 – The inventor of the unique antifouling ingredient Selektope®, I-Tech AB, has responded to strong market demand in Japan by enhancing its local supply chain arrangements, after signing an agreement with well-known chemicals trading company NAGASE & CO., LTD.

To date, hundreds of Japanese vessels have been coated with antifoulings containing Selektope®, but demand continues to grow strongly. Under the new agreement, I-Tech will continue to manage sales of Selektope® in Japan while NAGASE & CO., LTD will exclusively handle imports.

“Establishing this business relationship reflects the need to address increasing demand for our product in Japan and we are honored to be working with such a highly reputed company in NAGASE CO LTD,” says Philip Chaabane, CEO I-Tech AB.

The organic, non-metal compound Selektope® is the only ingredient of its kind used in a marine antifouling application. It is characterized by high efficacy at extremely low concentrations (approx.0.1% w/w), ultra-low leaching and flexibility and can boost the performance of copper-based paint formulations or replace copper completely. Due to the low concentration required, Selektope® does not compromise the chemical structure, color or other cooperative biocides of a marine coating.

NAGASE & CO., LTD. is a chemicals trading firm, founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1832. I-Tech AB is a Gothenburg-based biotech company that has developed and marketed the unique antifouling ingredient Selektope® since 2006.

For more information on Selektope®, please visit www.selektope.com

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.