EPA API
About EPA
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is a type of highly unsaturated fatty acid that is contained abundantly in seafood oils. EPA, classified as an omega-3 fatty acid based on its molecular structure, is an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce enough of on its own. EPA has been reported to lower neutral fat in the blood and is used in health food products. High-purity EPA is also used as a treatment for arteriosclerosis obliterans and hyperlipidemia.
Establishment of our original high purification technology and API production system
The concentration of EPA in refined fish oils, the raw material for EPA API, is about 20%. To raise the purity to 96.5% or higher requires extremely advanced purification technology. We have succeeded in developing such technology utilizing the extraction and purification technologies for useful components that we have cultivated since our founding, coupled with our DNA as an R&D-oriented company, a legacy from our predecessors.
In the 1970s, Bizen Chemical became the first company to successfully purify vitamin E up to 98% using original technology. By incorporating this purified vitamin E in supplements, basic skincare products, and pharmaceuticals, Bizen Chemical has contributed to people’s beauty and good health.
In the 1990s, we applied our oil purification technology cultivated through the production of high-purity vitamin E to build processes and equipment for selectively concentrating EPA.
In 1998, we started production of APIs and EPA Pharmaceutical Intermediates to supply them to API manufacturers. With more than 20 years of experience under our belt, Bizen Chemical's EPA has been used as APIs that meet the specification of Japanese Pharmacopoeia “Ethyl Icosapentate” (purity: 96.5-101.0%).
Furthermore, in 2018, we became an API manufacturer responsible for the final production process of EPA. As a leading domestic manufacturer of EPA pharmaceuticals (the primary supplier of generics), we have established a stable supply system and built up a proven track record.
Realization of pharmaceutical quality
Pharmaceutical quality cannot be achieved through manufacturing technology alone. Bizen Chemical has been striving to
enhance the functions of its quality department (quality assurance and quality control), as well as make innovations in purification technology.
From the procurement of raw materials to shipment as APIs, we have established a solid system for the stable manufacture
and supply of high-quality APIs by conducting manufacturing and quality control in compliance with GMP.
