Marinova, the Tasmanian supplier of Maritech fucoidan, recently announced the start of a new clinical trial which will further explore potential immuno-modulatory properties of Maritech fucoidan.
 
Fucoidan is a marine polysaccharide sourced from brown seaweed, with a diverse range of bioactive properties. Among those researched are potential properties which can support a healthy immune function. Marinova reports that current clinical trials have yielded independent evidence that Maritech fucoidan can support certain beneficial effects, including: boosting the immune response to vaccines; activating dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and T cells; blocking the entry of coated viruses to cells; reducing lung damage commonly associated with viral infection; supporting mucosal immune health; dampening allergic responses; and modulating the activity of stem cells.
 
The new study will be conducted in collaboration with Nutrasource, a U.S.-based nutraceutical research company, and will examine the impact of Maritech fucoidan on the immune function and inflammatory response of healthy adults. It has been designed on the back of existing preclinical evidence which suggests that Maritech fucoidan acts as an immune priming agent by increasing cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, reduces the levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6, and modulates the key marker immunoglobulin G (IgG).
 
“High purity, certified organic fucoidan is already included in a multitude of innovative nutritional supplements targeting immune health,” Paul Garrott, Marinova CEO and managing director, said. “Marinova’s investment in this new clinical trial will deepen our understanding of the unique health benefits of Maritech fucoidan.”
 
“On International Clinical Trials Day, we are delighted to have been chosen by Marinova to provide clinical trial solutions relating to their product development and showcasing of fucoidan,” William Rowe, Nutrasource president and CEO, said.