DARMSTADT, Germany, and HAWTHORNE, N.Y., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck KGaA
today announced that its U.S. Specialty Chemicals affiliate, EM Industries,
Inc., of Hawthorne, N.Y., will immediately begin marketing L-Methylfolate, or
Metafolin(TM), a derivative of folic acid, in the United States.  It is the
first time this ingredient will be commercially available to the dietary-
supplement industry.
    L-Methylfolate is an essential nutrient that plays several vital roles in
the body.  It supports normal DNA synthesis and therefore is required for all
cell division in tissue growth and renewal.  It is essential for normal
metabolism of homocysteine, which when elevated is an independent risk factor
for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
    "The introduction of Metafolin opens a new era in the field of
dietary-supplement ingredients and marks a first step for EM Industries,"
commented Tom Colclough, president of EM Industries, Inc.  "We are actively
developing innovative, science-driven ingredients and are redefining our
product portfolio to better serve the nutraceutical industry.  In these
special areas we expect to achieve a leadership position."
    "L-Methylfolate is the body's preferred choice of folate," explained Dr.
Karin A. Maul who is responsible for the marketing of Metafolin in the United
States.  "In humans, this particular compound is the predominant form of
circulation and transport into the tissues, and it is the only folate that can
cross the blood-brain barrier."
    Humans cannot synthesize folate de novo.  They must obtain this important
B-vitamin from dietary sources, but dietary folate intake is well below the
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).  Folic acid currently used in supplements
and food fortification can be thought of as a provitamin.  Before either folic
acid or other food folate can be used by the body, it has to be metabolized to
L-Methylfolate.
    In contrast, Metafolin requires no further breakdown by the body and can
be used, without further transformation, in the complex metabolic pathway of
folate.  In other word Metafolin is the active form of the folate vitamin.
"The availability of Metafolin is a milestone in the field of folates and
opens new approaches for the dietary-supplement market," added Dr. Maul.
    Introduction of Metafolin to European Markets is expected in late 2003.

    Headquartered in Darmstadt/Germany, the Merck Group generated sales of
EUR 6,7 billion in 2000 in the fields of Pharmaceuticals, Specialty Chemicals,
Lab Products and Lab Distribution.  Founded in 1668, the Merck Group is
represented today by more than 200 operating companies in 52 countries and
employs 34,000 people world-wide.  The company groups its operating activities
under Merck KGaA, in which E. Merck, as a general partner, holds the Merck
family's 74 percent equity interest in Merck KGaA.  The Merck Group strongly
believes that promotion of its employees' self-initiative and
self-responsibility, application-oriented research and development and close
customer relationships in the markets are the keys to long-term corporate
success.

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