The AstaFactor^® softgels available to consumers are the product of the unique technology developed by Mera Pharmaceuticals, taking advantage of Hawaii's unique climatic conditions and natural resources: pure water, clean air, abundant sunlight, and minimal variations in day length.

The AstaFactor^® is produced from the microscopic green alga Haematocccus pluvialis, the world's richest known source of natural astaxanthin.

Natural astaxanthin is a unique biological antioxidant with exciting potential for human health applications.

Mera Pharmaceuticals' leading expertise in photo-bioreactor technology has been rewarded by a total of 12 patents granted in the USA and in a number of other countries in Asia, Europe and South America.. This technology is the foundation of the unique product quality and consistency which characterizes The AstaFactor^®.

• The ability to nurture micro-algae in closed photo-bioreactors (Mera Growth Modules or MGMs) allows Mera Pharmaceuticals to maintain clean, healthy, and rapidly growing algal populations, with the same level of control as in a laboratory but at a commercial scale.
  These closed systems also afford a greater level of protection against external contaminants.
• After maximizing growth in the closed photo-bioreactors, the algae are transferred to environmentally controlled ponds for a short period, mimicking the environmental stresses that in nature stimulate Haematococcus to biosynthesize astaxanthin.

  This results in a quick, synchronized reddening of the algal culture.

  Mera Pharmaceuticals has also developed highly automated process-control technology to ensure that culture conditions are efficiently optimized, with minimal direct human intervention.

• To improve bio-availability of astaxanthin, the algae undergo a cell-breaking process.
• The algal biomass is then pasteurized and gently dried at temperatures below 100° C to minimize loss of nutrients, especially astaxanthin.
  
  
• A proprietary all-natural extraction process ensures than only a refined astaxanthin extract is encapsulated in a state-of-the art softgel manufacturing facility, under stringent quality and health standards. This process yields a superior all-natural supplement with enhanced potency, safety, and purity.
  
  
• The easy-to-swallow softgels are then bottled, labeled, and made ready for shipment.
  
  
• At every step, quality checks are made to ensure that the product reaching the consumer meets Mera Pharmaceuticals' strict quality and safety standards.

For more details on this topic, see our technical report.

For more information on the Mera Growth Modules, please visit the Mera Pharmaceuticals web site.