Anti-oxidants have become a staple in consumer products marketed for their health effects, and the University at Buffalo — part of the SUNY system — is hoping a new set of compounds with similar properties discovered in its labs will become a key ingredient in foods, nutraceuticals, beverages, and other products looking for a healthy edge. The compounds are called anthocyanins, which are naturally occurring pigments and antioxidants that can be used as natural colorants and may also aid in controlling blood glucose levels to assist with weight management and conditions such as diabetes. The Research Foundation of the State University of New York, which handles licensing for the entire SUNY system, inked a worldwide agreement with a subsidiary of Irvine, CA-based ChromaDex Corp. to produce and market the compounds. The company hopes the technology ultimately be the next resveratrol, a similar “super fruit” compound found in high concentrations in red wine and grape skins. It has been marketed as an effective means of improving heart health, lowering cholesterol, and prolonging life. Like resveratrol, anthocyanins are also highly concentrated in red wine, and may have an even stronger correlation with the “French paradox” (the relative low rate of high cholesterol and heart disease in that country, despite its rich diet. The widespread consumption of wine and its antioxidant properties are thought to offset the potential ill effects of fatty foods among France’s populace). “We have been able to develop these molecules for the first time through a proprietary application,” said Dr. Mattheos Koffas, assistant professor of chemical engineering at SUNY Buffalo. “While all plants produce anthocyanins, they are challenging to extract and study in well-defined mixtures. Now that we can harvest them from a lab, they can be further studied for their antioxidant and other properties in various indications, especially ones related to the treatment of the metabolic syndrome, i.e. chronic pathological conditions stemming from obesity.” Under the terms of the agreement, ChromaDex made an up-front cash payment to SUNY Buffalo and agreed to pay an annual minimum royalty, as well as a milestone payment upon sale of the first licensed product, licensed service, or sublicense fee received by ChromaDex. With the consent of SUNY Buffalo, ChromaDex may also grant sublicenses to third parties and has agreed to reimburse the school for certain patent costs. Go to: PR Newswire

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