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15.09.2005
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| Basel - The L-Carnitine story goes back to 1905, when two Russian Scientists discovered a new substance in muscle tissue. This substance was L-Carnitine. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its original discovery, the editors Prof. Fritz Pittner, Prof. Alfred Lohninger and Dr. Gisela Pittner from the University of Vienna, Austria, encouraged well known scientists in the field of
L-Carnitine research to report recent findings and summaries of current knowledge in a special edition of Chemical Monthly – Monatshefte für Chemie (Vol. 136/No. 8, Springer publishing). This special edition issue covers contributions in various disci-plines including areas of organic chemistry and bioorganic synthesis, analytics and diagnostics, the role of L-Carnitine in metabolism, biochemical, physiological, patho-biochemical and pharmacological aspects, L-Carnitine deficiency as well as the use of L-Carnitine as a nutritional supplement.
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A century of L-Carnitine research |
 | After the establishment of the chemical structure of L-Carnitine in 1927, Prof. Erich Strack from the University of Leipzig, Germany, initiated decades of research on that exciting substance. Today, roughly 70 years later, the main physiological functions of L-Carnitine are well established.
In 1985, a research group at the Swiss life sciences-driven company Lonza made a discovery that completely changed L-Carnitine production technology. A team of scientists developed an improved process, which makes use of a biotransformation step for stereo-selective introduction of the optical centre for the synthesis of pure L-Carnitine, the natural form of Carnitine as it occurs in nature. Interestingly, they could make use of the same starting substance (γ-butyrobetaine) that is used in the human and animal body to produce L-Carnitine. Only this patented method guaran-tees production of optically 100% pure L-Carnitine (L-Carnipure®), containing no D-Carnitine. In the 21st century, an average number of 350 new scientific publica-tions per year show the enormous interest in this nutrient and the important role of L-Carnitine in many research fields.
By continuing to invest in quality science and clinical research, Lonza strives to un-cover new potential applications as well as improve upon the overall understanding of this exciting nutrient. Lonza actively sponsors clinical research studies at universi-ties throughout the world, and also has been involved in the collection and compila-tion of this new special edition on L-Carnitine.
According to Prof. Fritz Pittner, main editor of this issue, “L-Carnitine seems to be far more involved in metabolism and health care than expected, provided it is supplied in a pure, uncontaminated form and applied in correct and sufficient dosage.”
Lonza is the world’s largest manufacturer of L-Carnitine and is the only manufacturer who can guarantee 100% pure L-Carnitine, completely free from unnatural D-Carnitine.
L-Carnipure® crystalline contains 100% L-Carnitine, while L-Carnipure® tartrate (U.S. Patent 5073376, Japan Patent JP 2546068 and other international patents) consists of 68% L-Carnitine and 32% L-tartaric acid. L-Carnipure® crystalline and L-Carnipure® tartrate have been self affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). L-Carnipure® products are produced from the same substance (gamma butyrobetaine) as from which the human body produces L-Carnitine. Being crystalline, white, water-soluble and heat stable, both products are ideal for use in various food and drink applications. In addition, L-Carnipure® tartrate is non-hygroscopic, odorless and has a pleasant citrus taste and excellent flowability. Both products are kosher certified. Further details are available at www.carnipure.com.
Lonza is a life sciences-driven chemical and biotechnology company, headquartered in Switzerland, which generated sales of CHF 2.18 billion in 2004. 5700 people operating 18 production and R&D sites around the world are passionately delivering sustainable value to their customers. Lonza is one of the leading custom manufacturers of chemical intermedi-ates and active ingredients as well as biopharmaceuticals for the pharmaceutical and agro-chemical industries. On the basis of organic and oleochemical and biotechnology platforms, Lonza creates value solutions for nutrition, hygiene & personal care, wood & water and in-dustrial specialty markets. Lonza also offers polymer intermediates, resins and compounds. For more information please visit the company’s website at www.lonza.com.
For further information please contact:
Richard Sasse
Regulatory & Scientific Affairs
Tel +31 76 548 0018
Fax +31 76 542 4070
richard.sasse@lonza.com
Christine Menz
Corporate Communications
Tel +41 61 316 8253
Fax +41 61 316 9253
christine.menz@lonza.com
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