Science strips humble pine of its secrets

By DANIEL RIORDAN biotechnology writer

It doesn't sound leading edge, and it certainly doesn't sound appetising, but humble pine bark could hold the key to reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. At least, that's what HortResearch and Enzo Nutraceuticals hope.

The Crown Research Institute and the Christchurch-based biotechnology company have set up a joint venture, Aegis BioActives, to develop botanical drugs that may ultimately also counter age-related afflictions including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, heart disease and stroke.

The formation of Aegis followed 15 months of collaborative research.

Seven scientists, headed by HortResearch cell biologist Dr Iona Weir and based at HortResearch's Mt Albert base, will provide the intellectual clout.

Weir had been testing compounds for ways to inhibit cell death when she came across Enzo's dietary supplement Enzogenol, which contains antioxidants extracted from pinus radiata bark.

Antioxidants counter the harmful effects of free radicals - rogue cells in the body that damage other cells - and a recent pilot study showed the product had a positive effect on several key cardio risk factors, including body fat, blood pressure and circulation.

Weir said Enzogenol was more potent than anything else she had tested.

"The biggest thing to me is that we're using biotechnology to develop natural extracts while everybody else in New Zealand is using biotechnology to develop pharmaceuticals."

Enzo, which has factories on the North Shore and near Huntly, was formed four years ago by a group of Canterbury University scientists. Its chief executive is Larry Stenswick, a former US and New Zealand Government trade official.

The company's extraction process uses pure water - unlike other techniques in which the toxic nature of the extraction process damages the resulting product - and is internationally patented. Enzo will continue to sell Enzogenol both here and internationally while the joint venture develops.

HortResearch chief executive Dr Ian Warrington said the CRI has been working with private companies on identifying and developing natural bioactives for several years.

In that time, CRIs in general and HortResearch in particular, had developed - with nudges from Government - a greater willingness and ability to commercialise their research.

"The fact Iona is as comfortable to sit down and talk with Larry as to write a scientific paper is a huge change of culture in a comparatively short time.

"We've got a much greater awareness of the applications of our skills, a much greater awareness of the value of our intellectual property and a much greater awareness of carving out a competitive niche for New Zealand."

It is too early to say how long it will take Aegis to get its products to market, but the first step will be an Enzo-funded trial starting in September at Christchurch Hospital.