Atrium Innovations Extends Research Partnership with Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF)

QUEBEC CITY, May 9, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Atrium Innovations Inc. (TSX: ATB) ("Atrium" or the "Company"), a globally recognized leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative, science-based natural health products, announced today that it has extended its research partnership with the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods ("INAF").  In June 2011, Atrium launched a comprehensive applied clinical research program in collaboration with INAF at Université Laval in Quebec City.  The original program was funded through the end of 2013.

"Based on the success and momentum of this program, we are pleased to announce that we have extended this collaboration until 2016," said Pierre Fitzgibbon, President and CEO at Atrium Innovations.  "We continue to see direct returns from this program in stimulating innovative product development, including the introduction of sixteen new products to date."

Under the program, several ongoing studies are investigating small fruit polyphenols in glucose management and cognitive health, as well as the effects of enzymes on inflammation response, furthering a body of literature supporting the efficacy and mechanism of Wobenzym^® brand systemic enzymes.

Adding further credibility to Atrium's clinical research program, Dr. Benoit Lamarche, Director of the Clinical Nutrition Investigation Unit at INAF, recently received federal funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to study fish oils in the management of inflammation and cardiometabolic health in subjects at risk for heart disease.  The clinical trial will utilize high potency fish oil preparations provided by Atrium.

"We believe that the proposed research is one of the most specific and comprehensive clinical trials to date comparing the impact of EPA and DHA on systemic and tissue-specific subclinical inflammation in both men and women," said Dr. Lamarche, the Principal Investigator for the trial.

"Atrium's applied clinical research program serves in advancing the science behind our current products and also in elevating the totality of nutrition science research," concluded Dr. Barry Ritz, Vice President, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at Atrium.

About Atrium Innovations
Atrium Innovations Inc. (TSX: ATB) is a globally recognized leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative, science-based natural health products which are distributed in more than 35 countries.  The Company owns healthcare practitioner and specialized retail product brands that are at the forefront of science, innovation and education.  Atrium has over 1,100 employees and operates seven manufacturing facilities complying with current Good Manufacturing Practices. Additional information is available at www.atrium-innovations.com.

About INAF
The Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods of Université Laval (INAF) boasts Canada's largest team of researchers dedicated to the study of foods and their components and the role they play in nutrition, health, and the prevention of chronic diseases. Its multidisciplinary and intersectoral research program helps develop innovative nutritional approaches including foods and ingredients that are more effective in promoting health at every stage of life. Some 80 researchers contribute to research at INAF. Additional information is available at www.inaf.ulaval.ca.

SOURCE: ATRIUM INNOVATIONS INC.

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