LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Biotechnology company, Valent BioSciences Corporation, announced on Feb. 16 it has filed worldwide patent applications claiming beneficial effects — including better overall health, improved weight gain and enhanced feed conversion ratios — of an animal feed diet supplemented with abscisic acid (S-ABA). S-ABA is a naturally occurring substance found in all plants, including crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans, as well as fruits and vegetables.

The patent applications cite new research that indicates a range of potential benefits resulting from the addition of S-ABA into poultry feed.

“As the only global manufacturer and marketer of S-ABA, we’re excited to be further exploring potential commercial opportunities for both crop and non-crop uses with this molecule,” said Warren E. Shafer, Valent BioSciences’ vice president of Global Research & Development and Regulatory Affairs.

The filings are part of a series of global patents and patent applications sought by the Illinois-based biotechnology company, which has commercialized two other products based on S-ABA for crop use in the last three years. ProTone Plant Growth Regulator was launched in 2009 to enhance color in table grapes, while BioNik Plant Growth Regulator is being launched in 2012 as a seed treatment to extend the window of pollen shed in hybrid corn seed production.

Valent BioSciences is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Chemical Company, with sales in more than 90 countries around the world.