PharmaNutrients Executes License to Kritchevsky CLA Atherosclerosis Patent
The Wistar Institute grants PharmaNutrients exclusive worldwide rights to Kritchevsky-CLA patented method to reduce atherosclerotic plaques; PharmaNutrients seeking RX partner.
Gurnee, IL (PRWEB) May 8, 2007
PharmaNutrients (www. pharmanutrients. com) announced today the execution of a license agreement with The Wistar Institute granting PharmaNutrients exclusive worldwide rights to US Patent 6,555,579,
"Use of CLA for the treatment of Atherosclerotic Plaque Reduction." The inventor of this patented technology is Dr. David Kritchevsky, a renowned expert on nutrition and cardiovascular disease and Caspar Wistar Scholar at The Wistar Institute until his death in 2006. Under the license agreement, PharmaNutrients has obtained exclusive rights to the patented technology for all market segments and applications including food, dietary supplements and pharmaceutical preparations.
A naturally occurring fatty acid found primarily in milk, beef and dairy products, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a mixture of 18:2 fatty acid isomers that have conjugated double bonds. Compelling laboratory research has repeatedly demonstrated CLA's unique capability to actually reverse atherosclerotic plaque formation. Current pharmaceutical and surgical approaches have only inconsistently resulted in minimal plaque regression. Today's physical methods (e. g., stents, cardiac bypass surgery) have severe limitations, high costs and high risks. The Kritchevsky CLA patent provides for the potential of a more effective, and non-invasive solution.
As an experienced cardiac surgeon with over 5000 coronary-bypass operations to his credit, Dr. Dwight Lundell speaks from experience: "It is now firmly established that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disorder, from its inception through plaque rupture and vessel closure. With the failure of the narrowly targeted agents (torcetrapbip, AGI-1067, Ly518674 and the ACAT inhibitors) to prevent or reduce plaque, it would seem that a more physiologic approach is warranted."
According to the Center for Disease Control, in the United States alone, atherosclerosis reportedly affects one in four persons, causing approximately 42% of all deaths.
Mark Nottoli, president of PharmaNutrients stated: "This patent license gives us the opportunity to develop a new era of CLA-based products to provide much-needed solutions to improve cardiovascular health. With the Omacor omega-3 success serving as a model for a prescription nutrient drug, we envision a similar opportunity utilizing this patent in conjunction with our patent portfolio. We are now seeking a pharmaceutical partner to work with us in the next phase of research,"
"We very pleased that PharmaNutrients has committed to the commercial development of this technology which builds on Dr. Kritchevsky's many years of research at our institute," stated Dr. Russel E. Kaufman, President and CEO of The Wistar Institute. "This collaboration is another example of how basic biomedical research can result in products to improve health worldwide."
David Kritchevsky, Ph. D., (1920-2006) an internationally recognized expert in the role of dietary fats in heart disease and cancer, obtained the licensed patent for his work with CLA in reducing
Atherosclerosis. With continuous support from a Research Career Award from the National Institutes of Health dating to 1961 and many other sources, Dr. Kritchevsky was a lively contributor to the ongoing national debate on nutrition and health for almost six decades. Dr. Kritchevsky's body of published work includes 421 research publications, the most recent in September 2006.
Dr. Lundell further stated: "CLA has prevented and dramatically reduced arterial plaque in animal models. With a well-established safety profile, I am anxious to see human work proceed on CLA administered alone, in combination with an omega-3 or in combination with a statin. Physicians are desperate for new tools to combat the number one killer of Americans."
CLA is also well documented to reduce body fat with numerous patents protecting this application. By combining WARF-patented CLA in combination with the Kritchevsky patent, PharmaNutrients is in a unique position to bring the market a dual-use product. PharmaNutrients holds numerous proprietary patents that include the use of CLA for heart-health issues.
Nottoli concluded: "Since I introduced CLA to the market in 1994, PharmaNutrients has pursued heartbenefit applications. I am personally very excited that we have taken this important step towards helping millions improve their lives."
About PharmaNutrients, Inc.:
Dedicated to creating products to enhance wellness, PharmaNutrients supports research investigating fatty acids and soluble fibers. The company's activities encompass multiple technology platforms focused on creating solutions for obesity-related health issues including weight management, inflammation, diabetes and cardiovascular health. PharmaNutrients researches and validates its intellectual property for license to business partners.
PharmaNutrients is recognized for creating and commercializing CLA with the development of Tonalin CLA, the first nutritional dietary supplement targeted at "Body Composition" and creating the "Fat Binding" category with its Absorbitol brand chitosan complex. PharmaNutrients (www. pharmanutrients. com) is a privately held company located in the Chicago area.
About Wistar:
The Wistar Institute is an international leader in biomedical research, with special expertise in cancer research and vaccine development. Founded in 1892 as the first independent nonprofit biomedical research institute in the country, Wistar has long held the prestigious Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute. Wistar scientists have also identified many cancer genes and developed monoclonal antibodies and other important research tools. Today, Wistar is home to eminent melanoma researchers and pioneering scientists working on experimental vaccines against influenza, HIV, and other diseases threatening global health. Wistar works actively to transfer its inventions to the commercial sector to ensure that research advances move from the laboratory to the clinic as quickly as possible. The Wistar Institute: Today's Discoveries Tomorrow's Cures. On the web at www. wistar. org.
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