zuchem Receives FDA Approval For Mannitol

Chicago, Ill (November, 2004) – zuChem, Inc., an innovative supplier of glycochemicals and other specialized sugars for the pharmaceutical, food, nutraceutical, and related industries, today announced that it has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its fermentation-based manufacturing process for mannitol. zuChem’s proprietary process is only the third recognized process by the FDA for the development of mannitol.

Mannitol is a polyol (sugar alcohol) widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries because of its unique functional properties. It is beneficial for people with diabetes and helps to prevent tooth decay. It is estimated that the worldwide sales for mannitol are $125 million a year.

“The demand for mannitol is increasing, however, because of shortages in the raw materials, prices remain high,” said David Demirjian, CEO of zuChem. Our approach utilizes alternative raw materials and fermentation to manufacture mannitol cost-effectively and efficiently. We are pleased that the FDA recognized our process as a safe and effective and we look forward to commercialization.”

Traditional methods for manufacturing mannitol require a chemical hydrogenation process, which can be complex and cost-prohibitive. zuChem uses bioprocess technology as an entirely new method to produce mannitol which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the cost.

zuChem is currently evaluating business partners for both manufacturing and sales. The company hopes to announce a strategic partnership early next year.

zuChem Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, focuses on commercializing innovative manufacturing processes for unique glycochemicals (varieties of specialized sugars) for the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries. Glycochemicals are key components of many antibiotics, anticancer and antiviral drugs as well as many specialty food ingredients. Please visit www.zuChem.com for more information.