IRVINE, Calif., April 10, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A study recently published on April 3, 2015 in Free Radical Biology and Medicine showed pterostilbene prevented acute ultraviolet B radiation ("UVB"), radiation-induced inflammation and photoaging-associated skin damages. The study further showed that pterostilbene, but not resveratrol, effectively prevented chronic UVB radiation-induced skin carcinogenesis (90% of pterostilbene-treated mice did not develop skin carcinomas, whereas a large number of tumors was observed in all controls). The anticarcinogenic effect elicited by pterostilbene was associated with maintenance of skin antioxidant defenses and inhibition of UVB-induced oxidative damage.
The study was conducted by researchers at Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia and Green Molecular, S.L. Based on the results, the researchers proposed the use of pterostilbene for the prevention of skin carcinogenesis induced by solar radiation.
In August 2013, ChromaDex Corp. (OTCQX:CDXC) announced it had licensed from Green Molecular, S.L. exclusive worldwide patent rights related to pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations of pterostilbene for topical application for prevention and/or treatment of skin diseases, damage or injuries, including those relating to aging and exposure to the sun.
Dr. Jose M. Estrela, research director of the Cell Pathophysiology Unit at the Department of Physiology, University of Valencia and research director of Green Molecular, commented, "Research conducted in my laboratory clearly indicates that pterostilbene has the capacity to protect skin from the sun's cancer-causing ultraviolet rays. Taking into account the high number of solar-radiation related skin cancers, addition of pterostilbene to sun protection formulations may certainly help in saving lives. With so many people dying from cancer every year, prevention and early detection and treatment are the best long-term options."
Frank Jaksch, CEO and Founder of ChromaDex, stated, "It is exciting to see another study confirming that pterostilbene is effective in protecting skin from UV damage. We have on-going licensing discussions with multiple Fortune 500 companies interested in the potential commercial applications of pterostilbene in both skin care and sun protection."
ChromaDex's branded nature identical pterostilbene, pTeroPure®, is an anti-oxidant found in berries and nuts. It was named the 2010 North American Most Promising Ingredient of the Year by the independent research company Frost & Sullivan. Pterostilbene belongs to a group of compounds called stilbenoids, which are produced by plants as part of their natural defense systems. ChromaDex launched pTeroPure® in 2010 and today, more than 40 consumer products containing pTeroPure® are available in the marketplace.
In 2010, ChromaDex announced an exclusive worldwide license for all patent rights of pterostilbene with the University of Mississippi and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. In April 2014, a collaboration formed by the University of Mississippi's Division of Technology Management, the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Natural Products Utilization Research Unit and ChromaDex won a Federal Laboratory Consortium 2014 Excellence in Technology Transfer Award for their work developing pterostilbene.
About ChromaDex:
ChromaDex Corp. (OTCQX:CDXC), is an innovative natural products company that discovers, acquires, develops and commercializes proprietary-based ingredient technologies through its unique business model that utilizes its wholly owned synergistic business units, including ingredient technologies, natural product fine chemicals (known as "phytochemicals"), chemistry and analytical testing services, and product regulatory and safety consulting (as Spherix Consulting). The company provides seamless science-based solutions to the nutritional supplement, food and beverage, animal health, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The ChromaDex ingredient technologies unit includes products backed with extensive scientific research and intellectual property. Its ingredient portfolio includes pTeroPure® pterostilbene; ProC3G®, a natural black rice containing cyanidin-3-glucoside; PURENERGY®, a caffeine-pTeroPure® co-crystal; and NIAGEN®, its recently launched branded nicotinamide riboside, a novel next-generation B vitamin. To learn more about ChromaDex, visit www.chromadex.com.
About Green Molecular, S.L.:
Green Molecular is a spin-off company promoted by Cross Road Biotech (www.crbinverbio.com), a VC focused in life sciences, and the University of Valencia (Spain). Green Molecular's working aim is focused on the development of the health benefits of natural polyphenols. Since its foundation in 2009, the company´s R&D has been focused on cancer prevention and treatment, as well as skin care applications. Nevertheless the company is interested in further expanding its patent portfolio based on the multiple biomedical applications of these natural compounds.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements that are not a description of historical facts constitute forward-looking statements and may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "potential", "possible", "probable", "believes", "seeks", "may", "will", "should", "could" or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, the Company's Quarter Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings submitted by the Company to the SEC, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.