USA - Stellar achieves first independent system for fully sustainable giant limpit production

Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. announced that the company has successfully achieved a commercial-scale aquaculture system that sustains the complete life cycle of multiple generations of the Giant Keyhole Limpet (Megathura crenulata), the scarce marine source for Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH).

Stellar has developed a controlled, land-based aquaculture system that supports the life cycle of the mollusk through all its stages and now, for the first time, boasts multiple generations producing commercial quantities of pharmaceutical grade KLH.

Stellar claims to be the only company that can offer KLH obtained from sources and processes that are traceable, controlled, and sustainable. Other KLH suppliers are reliant on the small and sensitive, wild populations of Megathura crenulata and cannot offer KLH that meets Stellar Biotechnologies standards.

\"This isn\'t just about increasing Stellar\'s KLH manufacturing leadership -- which we\'ve clearly done,\" said Frank Oakes, Stellar President and CEO. \"This is about controlling the lifecycle of the source animal, allowing Stellar to grow new generations of limpets spawned by parents that have never seen the ocean, thus ensuring that the pharmaceutical industry has ample supply of GMP grade KLH, made under controlled conditions, while protecting survival of a wild species.\"

Brandon Lincucum, Stellar Aquaculture Manager, said, \"This is the culmination of more than ten years of highly-specialized development work involving a range of disciplines. We\'ve set the benchmark for KLH manufacturing and we\'re proud to represent these new aquaculture and environmental milestones as well.\"