Unigen Presents at ASP, Forms Partnership, Promotes Miles

Unigen Presents at ASP, Forms Partnership, Promotes Miles

LACEY, Wash.Scientists from Unigen Pharmaceuticals gave an oral presentation and presented two research posters during the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP), held in Oregon in July. Unigen was also a sponsor of the ASP event. Yuan Zhao, Unigens director of discovery and screening, spoke about the mechanism of action of the companys proprietary ingredient Univestin®, which supports mobility and joint health by downregulating genetic expression of certain cytokines. The poster presentations reported on a novel natural source of policosanol and its cholesterol-supporting abilities, and the development of a quality control method to identify adulteration in Chinese skullcap extract.

In additional company news, Unigen (www.unigenpharma.com) announced a research and development collaboration with David E. Minter, Ph.D., a professor at Texas Christian University (TCU), to develop a novel and natural skin lightening product based on inhibition of the enzyme responsible for melanin production. According to Unigen, the market for skin lightening products is estimated at more than $1 billion in Japan alone. Unigen identified a compound in a botanical product with a high potency level, but found the compound is only present in low levels in the original plant; Minter will work to develop the ingredient by organic synthesis.The collaborators aim to have an ingredient ready for licensing to manufacturers by 2006.

Finally, Unigen announced Regan D. Miles was promoted to president and chief operating officer (COO), effective Aug. 1; he served previously as executive vice president of the company. Under Regans direction, Unigens sales penetration has been extremely effective with the launch of several key raw material ingredients and their subsequent licensing to valued clients, said Derek Hall, vice chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Univera Inc., Unigens holding company.