Quincy Bioscience Gains Patent

MADISON, Wis. Quincy Bioscience was awarded a U.S. Patent (No. 7,671,015), Aequorin-containing compositions and methods of using same, covering the use of a photoprotein originally isolated from luminescent jellyfish and other marine organisms for addressing disorders related to calcium imbalance. The patent covers both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical uses and compositions.

Aequorin, originally isolated from the Aequorea Victoria jellyfish, is a calcium-binding protein. Disruption of the bodys homeostatis in the ionic calcium concentrations has been linked to problems in muscle and neurological functioning; calcium imbalances have been seen in conditions including heart disease, Alzheimers disease and cancer. While calcium-channel antagonists have been used to address certain of these disorders, they may have serious adverse side effects, leading to a desire for other pharma or nutritional options.

Quincy Bioscience operates in both the pharma and nutritional arenas, and markets aequorin as the dietary supplement Prevagen®. Quincy Bioscience continues to strengthen its position in developing this novel calcium-binding protein as a platform technology, said Mark Underwood, president of Quincy Bioscience. The neurons ability to manage calcium and maintain homeostasis is fundamental to proper function. Research has proven the cells inability to regulate calcium is a key pathophysiological component in many different brain disorders, including Alzheimers disease. Based on our ongoing research of aequorin in various health conditions and what we know about the role of calcium in the body, we expect aequorin to be a vital protein in many aspects of healthy aging.

The patent covers not only administration of aequorin as a sole active ingredient for addressing calcium imbalance, but also in certain delivery methods, and in combination with one or more additional pharmaceutical or nutraceutical ingredients with therapeutic value. Several possible nutraceutical combinations were cited include those for immune support with botanicals such as Echinacea or astragalus; antioxidants including allicin (from garlic) and catechins (as found in green tea); bioflavonoids for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; ingredients to support joint structure and function, such as glucosamine and chondroitin; and those with effects on the brain (i.e., Ginkgo biloba, feverfew, fish oil).