History
Since its founding
in 1981, Igene Biotechnology has focused on the commercialization
of value-added specialty biochemical products for the food, feed,
flavor and agrichemical industries.
Through
the use of state-of-the-art fermentation technology, physical
and chemical separation technology,
and related chemical and biochemical engineering
technologies, the Company has developed proprietary processes
to convert selected agricultural raw materials or feedstock into
commercially useful, cost effective, and environmentally friendly
natural alternatives to products
now produced by chemical synthesis.
Main events
- 1981:
Igene founded by Drs. Robert Austin Milch and William T.
Hall. John C. Archibald, John A. Cenerazzo, Morton A. Cohen,
William T. Hall, Carl L. Kempner Sr., Thomas L. Kempner, Sidney R.
Knafel and Irwin S. Zonis participated
in the initial venture.
- 1986:
Company goes public (Ticker: "IGNE")
- 1987:
Astaxanthin research begins.
- 1992:
Astaxanthin patents - Chile and New Zealand.
- 1993:
Astaxanthin patent - USA.
- 1994:
Astaxanthin patent - USA.
- 1995:
Astaxanthin patent - Australia and Canada.
- 1997:
Fermic plant construction began.
- 1997:
Astaxanthin patent - Austria, Belgium, France, Norway, Germany,
U.K., Sweden, Holland and Italy.
- 1999:
Astaxanthin patent - Korea, Japan and Finland.
-
2003: Company announces Joint Venture with Tate &
Lyle to produce Aquasta™.
- 2004:
Astaxanthin Partners Ltd - Selby, England - Aquasta™ first
shipments of commercial production begin.
-
2004: Astaxanthin patent - Danish
