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XENOMIS LLC SIGNS LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL FOR
TECHNOLOGY TO ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NUTRACEUTICAL PRODUCTS BASED UPON
PROPRIETARY STRESSED PLANT SCIENCE
Pittsburgh, PA,
October 23, 2007 – Xenomis LLC
announced today it has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Harvard
Medical School for proprietary science that will assist in the development
of nutraceutical products with potentially far reaching physiological
benefits. Under the terms of the agreement, Harvard will receive downstream
royalties and equity.
Since the 1930's,
caloric restriction has been shown to increase the health and longevity of
numerous species. Benefits of caloric restriction include increased insulin
sensitivity, improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, and decreased
incidence of cancer in rats and monkeys. Similar effects may be seen in
humans, although further research is needed.
Recent studies have
indicated that "longevity genes" may underlie the health benefits of calorie
restriction, and that such genes likely evolved to help organisms survive
during adverse conditions. Research, including the 2006 Harvard Medical
School study in the journal Nature, supports the hypothesis that the
activation of this genetically controlled stress response can prolong
lifespan and improves energy utilization in animals.
Plants stressed by
infections or adverse environmental conditions produce specific molecules as
part of their own survival response. Harvard Medical School researchers
have advanced the concept that compounds produced by stressed plants, when
ingested, can activate in mice similar genetic pathways and physiological
responses to those seen in animals fed a lower calorie diet. Researchers
have coined the term "Xenohormesis" to describe the hypothesis that
molecules derived from stressed plants can have positive health benefits in
mammals.
"Xenomis, using a
proprietary extraction process, is able to extract and concentrate a range
of xenohormetic molecules including resveratrol from stressed plants like
red wine grapes," said Joseph Maroon, MD, director of research at Xenomis
and professor of neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of
Medicine. "We look forward to seeing the results of independently conducted
laboratory analyses as well as animal and human clinical trials."
"Fundamental research
at major research universities such as Harvard can have a major impact on
therapeutic approaches to common physical problems, but it requires both
world class science and strong partnerships with performance-oriented
technology transfer organizations, academic scientists and industry," said
Dr. Maroon.
“The agreement with
Xenomis is important to Harvard Medical as it allows us to move fundamental
laboratory research into clinical trials, a step towards improving human
health," said Isaac Kohlberg, of Harvard Medical School's Technology
Development office. "Xenomis has personnel who have expertise in
manufacturing, and can potentially advance this research into practical
development and application much faster and more efficiently than would
otherwise be possible."
"Xenomis brings
world-class manufacturing and marketing capabilities to the collaborative
effort through William Watts, former CEO of General Nutrition Corporation
and David Sculley, former President and CEO of Heinz USA, both company
founders," according to Maroon. “Our priority areas of interest include
longevity as well as other health related benefits including sports
endurance and memory enhancement. We also believe there is application for
pet products. We are looking to partner with Tier One industry players and
are well along in the product development process,” said Dr. Maroon.
About Xenomis LLC
Xenomis was formed in
2005 to pursue both research and develop marketable nutraceutical products
containing Xeno Factors, based upon new science from an exclusive Harvard
Medical School license, plus proprietary Australian Extraction technology.
Numerous studies of Xeno Factors suggest major health benefits, including,
longevity, endurance and enhanced memory. Xenomis is headquartered in
Pittsburgh, PA and can be contacted at
xenomis.com.
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