Study of Cyanotech’s BioAstin® Natural Astaxanthin Indicates Significant Reduction in Systemic Inflammation in Humans

— C-Reactive Protein levels cut over 20% in subjects taking BioAstin —

KAILUA KONA, Hawaii (March 2, 2006) — Cyanotech Corporation (Nasdaq Capital Market: CYAN), a world leader in producing high-value nutrition and health products from microalgae, has completed a preliminary study of the effects of BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin in humans in reducing systemic inflammation as measured by levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in blood serum.

The double-blind study by an independent research group of 15 subjects taking BioAstin and eight subjects taking Placebo found that subjects who took BioAstin for 56 days showed an average decrease in their measured CRP levels of over 20%.  Subjects who took Placebo showed no such decrease.  Analysis of the data showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the two treatment conditions, suggesting that BioAstin may significantly reduce CRP scores.

“While highly encouraging, this finding was based on a small sample size and, ideally, should be replicated in a larger study,” said Dr. Gerald R. Cysewski, Chairman, President and CEO of Cyanotech.  “Considering recent literature on the importance of CRP as an indicator of cardiac health, the finding of such a substantial average reduction in CRP after a regimen of BioAstin is a promising result that deserves further attention.”

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is one of the acute phase proteins that increase during systemic inflammation. Testing CRP levels in the blood may be a new way to assess cardiovascular disease risk, according to the American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org).

Other research suggests that systemic or silent inflammation may be implicated in many life threatening diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer’s, among others.

“This study adds to the body of research being developed that supports the anti-inflammatory properties of BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin,” noted Dr. Cysewski.  “Previous studies have shown the benefit of using BioAstin for varied inflammation-related conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint soreness and sunburn, among others.”

Information about this research is available at www.cyanotech.com