• Novel Therapeutic Antioxidants

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNOLOGY

The Phytochemical and Genomic Stability Group of the Rowett Research Institute together with the Medicinal Chemistry Group at Glasgow University with the aid of Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept Funding, have developed a novel high-potency antioxidant based on the structural modification of naturally-occurring phytochemicals.

These new synthetic antioxidants could have significant therapeutic benefits imparted by their enhanced antioxidant and bioavailable properties. Free-radical-mediated oxidative damage to cells is implicated in the development of many clinical conditions, including ischaemic-reperfusion injury following strokes and heart attacks, neurological disorders, arthritis, cancers and heart disease. Chronic infective states may also lead to increased free radical stress by immune system activation.

REQUIREMENT FOR THE TECHNOLOGY

Although the protective effects of dietary antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, are well recognised, antioxidant therapy as an adjunct in clinical conditions has had limited success. Consequently, there is need and considerable interest to develop enhanced or improved synthetic antioxidants which impart a significant therapeutic benefit to humans and animals.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TECHNIQUE INCLUDE:

• Enhanced bioavailability; increased incorporation into cell membranes and potential improved translocation across the blood brain barrier
• Improved cell targeting
• Superior stability
• High antioxidant biopotency

The technology also has the potential to be developed as a delivery mechanism for a range of drugs.

DEVELOPMENT STATUS

The first antioxidant has been synthesised and shown to possess strong antioxidant and enhanced bioavailability properties. In situ verification of the activity is in development.

INDUSTRY SECTORS

• Therapeutics
• Biotechnology
• Food; preservative, health enhancer
• Cosmetics
• R&D

THERAPEUTIC TARGETS

Ischaemic-reperfusion injury following strokes and heart attacks, neurological disorders, arthritis, cancers and heart disease, chronic infective, adjunct to sepsis treatment.

The technology also has the potential to be developed as a delivery mechanism for a range of drugs.

PATENT STATUS

A patent application is currently being drafted.

TYPE OF RELATIONSHIP SOUGHT

Strategic alliances and / or joint ventures are sought to realise the full potential of the technology and to develop the technology for various applications.

Licenses are available to the Patent Application and Rowett know-how for all various applications pharmaceutical and research applications.

If desired, we can undertake an initial feasibility study to validate the technology for a particular application.

• Natural Antimicrobial Agents

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNOLOGY

The Gut Microbial Metabolism Division of the Rowett Research Institute has identified two naturally-occurring compounds that inhibit E. coli O157 and other food pathogens. Together these compounds act synergistically as an effective killer of food borne pathogens, in particular E. coli O157.

REQUIREMENT FOR THE TECHNOLOGY

E. coli O157 is a significant public health concern and incidences of this often fatal food poisoning agent are rising. Faeces from animals carrying E. coli O157 can enter the food chain and contaminate meat and the surfaces the meat comes in to contact with at slaughter houses and butchers. In addition, the use of slurry as a fertiliser, particularly in organic farming, provides a potential route for E. coli O157 to enter the food chain particularly through vegetables and plants, which are frequently eaten raw.

The technology, because it reduces the numbers of E. coli O157 shed by cattle and found in slurry, will also reduce the incidence of illness in farm visitors, including school parties.

Current methods of killing E. coli O157 are far from ideal and consist of treatments using chlorines which although effective can discolour and affect taste of the meat and also when used to reduce numbers of bacteria in animals require use of antibiotics which are expensive and ‘environmentally unfriendly’, thus new more effective and natural methods for combating this serious disease and other food borne disease are required.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TECHNIQUE INCLUDE:

• Inhibitory compounds are from a natural source
• Applicable to HACCP from “farm to fork”
• Highly effective killing; reduces and kills bacterial numbers to limits undetectable in the laboratory.

DEVELOPMENT STATUS

The technology has been exemplified in the laboratory and is working to maximise their effect and to prove that these compounds work in conditions resembling those found in the commercial environment including abattoir’s.

INDUSTRY SECTORS

• Food
• Agriculture
• Therapeutics
• R&D

COMMERCIAL TARGETS

Due to the nature of the compounds the potential for commercial exploitation is vast with applications in solutions for sterilization of surfaces coming in to contact with carcasses and raw meat; in food packaging; and potential for use as animal food additives for reducing the numbers of bacteria in cattle prior to slaughter and / or reducing the number of bacteria shed in the faeces and thus entering and contaminating the environment; there is also the potential for developing the technology for human use to treat individuals infected with the pathogen.

PATENT STATUS

The invention has recently been filed for patent protection.

TYPE OF RELATIONSHIP SOUGHT

Strategic alliances and / or joint ventures are sought to realise the full potential of the technology and to develop the technology for various applications.

Licenses are available to the Patent Application and Rowett know-how for all various applications.

If desired, we can undertake an initial feasibility study to validate the technology for a particular application.

RRS 2004