Avesthagen Introduces First-in-Class Vegetarian DHA Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acid, Scouts for Global Licensing Partnerships, Manufacturing Facilities

BANGALORE, India, February 16, 2011 - Avesthagen Limited announced completion of a landmark project
for the development of AvestaDHA(TM) - a vegetarian source of DHA
(docohexanoic acid) omega 3 essential fatty acid based on an innovative
approach using naturally occurring microalgae.

DHA is a polyunsaturated mega-3 fatty acid found throughout
the body. More specifically, DHA Omega-3 is a major structural component
found in the brain gray matter, eye retina and the heart. Numerous scientific
studies confirm that everyone, from infants to adults, benefit from an
adequate supply of DHA Omega-3. For mothers-to-be, DHA Omega-3 supports a
healthy pregnancy. For toddlers, children, teens and adults, DHA Omega-3
supports brain, eye & heart health. Increased intake of DHA has been shown to
be beneficial in inflammatory disorders, arteriosclerosis, myocardial
infarction, thrombosis, and some cancers. Although DHA is naturally found in
different types of fish oil and marine plankton, it is expected that its
supply will be insufficient to meet growing demands. Moreover, fish oil
requires extensive purification, has unpleasant tastes and odors, and is
subject to environmental bioaccumulation of heavy metal contaminants.

Avesthagen was awarded a prestigious grant for its research on
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from CSIR under the New Millennium Technology
Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) scheme. The collaborative project between
Avesthagen and three Indian Institutional partners had the objective to
identify cost effective and renewable sources of DHA & other LCPUFAs.

Avesthagen's innovative technology allows commercial
production of superior quality, 100% vegetarian AvestaDHA(TM). A novel
Schizochytrium linacinum strain SC-1 was developed by Avesthagen for
producing Vegetarian DHA through fermentation. The patented technology has
been scaled up and validated for commercialization.

Dr Villoo Morawala Patell, founder and Chairperson Avesthagen
stated "AvestaDHA(TM) will serve as an acceptable and safe source of DHA for
vegetarians and others all over the World. Avesthagen is open for global
licensing, manufacturing and marketing alliances. This is one step towards
our continual commitment to discovery and commercialization of science based
products that promote health and well being throughout life. AvestaDHA(TM) is
also a step by Avesthagen in discharging an important Corporate Social
Responsibility in that it is targeted at ameliorating the nutritional health
of the bottom of the Pyramid and invites like-minded government, private
organizations and civil society to join in the mission."

For more information:
www.avesthagen.com/docs/pr150211.pdf

Contact: Ishaan Khanna, E: ishaan.khanna@avesthagen.com ,
T: +91(0)80-28411665

Contact: Ishaan Khanna, E: ishaan.khanna at avesthagen.com , T: +91(0)80-28411665