Pre-Clinical Study Using Martek's DHA Demonstrates New Role For DHA In Reducing Risk In Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

In a recent
pre-clinical study published in the December 26 issue of the Journal of
Neuroscience, an omega-3 fatty acid found in algae called docosahexaenoic
acid, or DHA, was found to decrease an important risk factor for late-onset
Alzheimer's disease(1). Conducted at the University of California, Los
Angeles using a mouse model, a diabetic rat model, and cultured human
cells, the study found that DHA increases the production of LR11, a protein
vital to clearing the brain of the enzymes that make the beta amyloid
plaques that are thought to cause Alzheimer's disease. The investigators
used Martek's DHA from microalgae for a portion of the research.



Alzheimer's patients are known to have reduced levels of LR11 which is
a member of the ApoE/low density lipoprotein receptor family. DHA was shown
in this study to increase the production of LR11. The publication suggests
that DHA may be most useful for early intervention and prevention of
late-onset AD. Late-onset Alzheimer's is the most common form of the
disease. It occurs later in life and has no obvious family inheritance
pattern. However, several risk factor genes may interact with each other
and with environmental factors to cause the disease.



This study adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating that DHA
may play a role in decreasing the risk for Alzheimer's disease. The
National Institutes of Health is now funding a multi-million dollar
clinical study on the effects of vegetarian DHA from microalgae in slowing
the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The vegetarian DHA used in the NIH
study is manufactured by Martek. Results from this NIH clinical study will
be available in 2010.



"This study adds to the evidence supporting the important brain health
benefits provided by an enhanced DHA status, and there are a number of
ongoing studies investigating the role of DHA in reducing the risk for
neurological diseases like Alzheimer's," said Dr. Edward B. Nelson, vice
president of medical research for Martek.



Martek's life'sDHA(TM) is a vegetarian form of DHA omega-3, a long
chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the
brain and the eye and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health
throughout life. There is a large and growing body of scientific evidence
demonstrating that people of all ages, from infants to aging adults,
benefit from an adequate supply of DHA omega-3 in the diet. Scientific
reviews have noted the importance of DHA omega-3 in proper brain and eye
development and function, and there are clinical studies underway to
evaluate its role in decreasing the prevalence of certain neurological
disorders. Yet despite its importance, Americans have among the lowest
dietary intakes of DHA omega-3 in the world.



Martek's life'sDHA is unique in the market because it is derived from a
sustainable and vegetarian source. Made from microalgae under tightly
controlled manufacturing conditions, life'sDHA is free of oceanic
contaminants that may be present in certain fish or fish oils. Microalgae
are the only vegetarian source of DHA omega-3, the key omega-3 for brain
and eye development and function.



Martek Biosciences Corporation (Nasdaq: MATK) is a leader in the
innovation and development of DHA omega-3 products that promote health and
wellness through every stage of life. The company produces life'sDHA, a
sustainable and vegetarian source of DHA omega-3, for use in foods,
beverages, infant formula, and supplements, and life'sARA(TM) (arachidonic
acid), an omega-6 fatty acid, for use in infant formula. For more
information on Martek Biosciences, visit martek/. For a
complete list of life'sDHA products, visit lifesdha.



Sections of this release contain forward-looking statements. These
statements are based upon numerous assumptions which Martek cannot control
and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ. These statements should be understood in light of the risk factors
set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including, but not limited to, the company's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 and other filed reports on Form 10-K,
Form 10-K/A, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.



1. Ma, Qie-Lan, et al. "Omega-3 Fatty Acid Docosahexaenoic Acid
Increases SorLA/LR11, a Sorting Protein with Reduced Expression in Sporadic
Alzheimer's Disease (AD): Relevance to AD Prevention." The Journal of
Neuroscience, December 26, 2007, 27(52):14299-14307;
doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3593-07.2007


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