Microalgae-based products for the food and feed sector: an outlook for Europe

The European Union has recently adopted an ambitious strategy for developing the Bioeconomy in Europe, in this context algae represents an emerging biological resource of great importance for its potential applications in different fields. In particular, micro-algae are currently promoted as a new source of valuable nutrients for human and animal consumption. This report analyses the production, markets and regulation of microalgae-based food and feed products, especially focusing on the European sector. The report is structured in the following chapters: - Micro-algal production systems - Current markets, products and future developments for micro-algae - Outlook: R&D and prospects for micro-algae biotechnology and genetic modification - Safety and regulatory aspects of micro-algae food and feed applications in the EU and the US.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Food and feed products from micro-algae: Market opportunities and challenges for the EU

Micro-algae are a new and promising source of nutrients. The main products obtainable are dried algae with high nutrients content and high-value compounds such as fatty acids, pigments and anti-oxidants. This paper analyses the market and the economic opportunities of micro-algae-based food and feed sectors in the EU through an integrated methodology composed by literature search, interviews to experts and Delphi survey. Results show that the quantities produced and the market size of nutrients obtained from micro-algae are still significantly smaller in comparison to the ones derived from cereals and other commodity crops, but that the sector has seen an impressive and unique growth. Despite the challenges due to the climatic conditions together with the insufficient domestic demand and the complexity of the EU Novel Food regulation, the survey revealed that the EU can improve its market position in the next decade, thanks to its scientific and technological capacity and its dominant position in the global agri-food markets. New micro-algae-based products can be developed for foreign markets, and the improved global production share of European firms (presently of about 5%) may be the result of strategic acquisitions of foreign companies

The effects of national policy on biotechnology development: the need for a broad policy approach

An assessment is made of the effectiveness of national policies for the biotechnology knowledge base and its commercialisation in 14 European Union member states. It first reviews the various theoretical approaches that lie behind policies to promote the commercialisation of knowledge. It next discusses the EPOHITE study, including its aims, methodology and results. In the conclusions, the paper will use the results of the study to discuss any relationship between the policy approach of individual member states and their innovation performance. It will also discuss the application of the lessons learned from this study to the countries studied, to new member states of the EC and newly industrialising countries, and some of the difficulties to be overcome

Food and feed products from microalgae: Market opportunities and challenges for the EU

Micro-algae are a new and promising source of nutrients. The main products obtainable are dried algae with high nutrients content and high-value compounds such as fatty acids, pigments and anti-oxidants. This paper analyses the market and the economic opportunities of micro-algae-based food and feed sectors in the EU through an integrated methodology composed by literature search, interviews to experts and Delphi survey. Results show that the quantities produced and the market size of nutrients obtained from micro-algae are still significantly smaller in comparison to the ones derived from cereals and other commodity crops, but that the sector has seen an impressive and unique growth. Despite the challenges due to the climatic conditions together with the insufficient domestic demand and the complexity of the EU Novel Food regulation, the survey revealed that the EU can improve its market position in the next decade, thanks to its scientific and technological capacity and its dominant position in the global agrifood markets. New micro-algae-based products can be developed for foreign markets, and the improved global production share of European firms (presently of about 5%) may be the result of strategic acquisitions of foreign companies.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Cost-effectiveness of Pharmacogenomics in Clinical Practice: A Case Study of Thyopurine Methyltransferase Genotyping in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in Europe

Only a few studies have addressed the cost-effectiveness of pharmacogenetics interventions in healthcare. Lack of health economics data on aspects of pharmacogenetics is perceived as one of the barriers hindering its implementation for improving drug safety. Thus, a recent Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) study entitled "Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics: State-of-the-art and potential socio-economic impact in the EU" included an explorative cost-effectiveness review for a pharmacogenetic treatment strategy compared with traditional medical practice. The selected case study examined the cost-effectiveness of thiopurine methyltransferase (TMPT) genotyping prior to thiopurine treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Information for the cost-effectiveness model parameters was collected from literature surveys and interviews with experts from four European countries (Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom). The model has established that TPMT testing in ALL patients has a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio. This conclusion was based on parameters collected for TPMT genotyping costs, estimates for frequency of TMPT deficiency, rates of thiopurine-mediated myelosuppression in TPMT-deficient individuals, and myelosuppression-related hospitalization costs in each of the four countries studied. The mean calculated cost per life-year gained by TPMT genotyping in ALL patients in the four study countries was EUR 2100 (or EUR 4800 after 3% discount) based on genotyping costs of EUR 150 per patient. Cost per life-year gained is expected to further improve following the introduction of wider use of TMPT genotyping and the availability of lower cost genotyping methods. Our analysis indicates that TPMT genotyping should be seriously considered as an integral part of healthcare prior to initiation of therapy with thiopurine drugs.JRC.J.5-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom