Xenomis LLC, Pittsburgh, PA, 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.”

“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 Dr. 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.