HOW VALASTA WAS PATENTED
- Valasta UK
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
ValAsta (or Valasta) is patented primarily for its specific formulation process, the glucosidic/liposomal form it creates, and its claimed therapeutic uses (e.g., reducing inflammation or treating certain diseases like cancer), not for the base astaxanthin molecule itself.
Natural Occurrence vs. Patentable Invention
• Plain astaxanthin (a carotenoid) occurs naturally in algae like Haematococcus pluvialis, as well as in yeast, shrimp, salmon, etc. Pure natural products or their mere isolation are generally not patentable under US law (and similar rules elsewhere), as they are considered “products of nature.”
• Glucosidic astaxanthin (astaxanthin attached to a glucose molecule) has been noted in some bacteria (e.g., Agrobacterium aurantiacum), but it is not the dominant or primary form in common commercial algae like H. pluvialis, which mostly produces free or esterified astaxanthin.
ValAsta starts with natural astaxanthin from microalgae and uses a proprietary process (involving high-frequency energy) to reattach a glucose molecule and encapsulate it in a fat (e.g., olive oil) for liposomal delivery. This creates a more absorbable “glucosidic” version.
What Is Patented?
Key patents associated with ValAsta/its founder (Samuel L. Shepherd) include:
• US11065269B1 (and related): Covers methods of using glucosidic astaxanthin for treating diseases, particularly cancer, and details preparation by reacting astaxanthin with a monosaccharide. It emphasizes effects on cell membranes and electrical properties under oxidative stress.
• Claims around the formulation process (liposomal/glucosidic encapsulation), enhanced bioavailability (claimed >800% better absorption), and specific therapeutic applications.
Patents protect human-made inventions such as:
• Novel processes or manufacturing methods.
• Modified compositions with improved properties (e.g., better stability or bioavailability).
• New or specific uses/applications (method-of-use patents).
They do not block natural occurrence or basic extraction of astaxanthin. Competitors can still sell regular astaxanthin supplements.
Why This Works Legally
Even if a glucosidic form appears in trace amounts in nature, the specific preparation method, purification, stable formulation with oil, and demonstrated medical applications can qualify as inventive. The USPTO granted these based on novelty, non-obviousness, and utility in the claims.
In summary: ValAsta isn’t patenting “astaxanthin from algae” — it’s patenting an engineered, enhanced delivery form and its applications. This is standard in nutraceuticals/pharma (similar to how purified or modified natural compounds get protected).
Join the thousands of clients using ValAsta's Patented astaxanthin to fight inflammation!!!
Valasta Store is an online store dedicated to helping everyone suffering from inflammatory conditions and health conditions arising out of oxidative stress. We are not a licensed medical office and do not treat, diagnose, or claim to cure any disease or health condition. Opinions given are those of the presenter and NOT intended as a diagnosis.
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