Epax will offer a €100,000 grant to researchers who can expand scientific understanding of the health benefits of marine long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC-MUFAs).
The competition marks the launch of new EPAX Cetoleic 2040, which represents a breakthrough in the marine lipid category as a precision oil with high LC-MUFA content and almost no Omega-3. The concentrate of the up-and-coming LC-MUFAs Omega-9 and Omega-11 offers potential in nutraceuticals across a range of health categories.
Reflecting this, the ‘EPAX Research Grant in Marine LC-MUFAs’ has been set up to stimulate high-quality clinical research into the benefits of marine lipids beyond traditional Omega-3s.
The competition is open to universities, academic hospitals and other non-profit research organizations. Applicants are invited to propose a human clinical study investigating the effects of marine LC-MUFAs as nutritional ingredients or dietary supplements. Possible areas of research include cardiovascular health, metabolic health, healthy aging, inflammation, cognitive function, skin health and physical performance.
The deadline for submissions is 31st December 2026, with the winners announced in March 2027. In addition to the research grant of €100,000, they will have access to a supply of EPAX Cetoleic 2040 and technical support from Epax experts.
Bjørn Refsum, CEO of Epax, said: “Since we were created in 1838, Epax has been all about innovation. We’re scientists, developers and pioneers who’ve always tried to push the boundaries of what’s possible with marine lipids. We always strive to be a leader in the EPA and DHA categories, but right now, there’s another big question: ‘What comes after Omega-3?’ As we discover more about the emerging field of marine LC-MUFAs, this initiative reflects our commitment to being part of that journey as a funder and supporter of clinical research.”
