Biothera Participates in European Congress on Post-Antibiotic Strategies
Researchers and Public Health Officials Focus on Prevention Strategies and Technologies
EAGAN, MN — June 4, 2008 — Biothera executives discussed new technologies and preventive health measures at a recent European congress on antibiotic resistance and other world health challenges.
"Into the Post-Antibiotic Era” was the theme of a conference that attracted physicians, public health officials and food and supplement manufacturers from the U.S., Europe and Australia. The conference, sponsored by Immicare Pharma AS, was held May 2-4 in Evian, France at the Evian Royal Resort Hotel.
Medical and research experts discussed the increasing problems of antibiotic and antiviral resistance and the need to develop new anti-infective strategies. One strategy is to prime innate immune cells with beta 1,3/1,6 gluco polysaccharides, which clinical research has shown can enhance human immune function. As the body’s first line of defense, innate immune cells can deliver a “knock out” punch to foreign challenges before illness occurs.
“Naturally priming the innate immune system is a preventive strategy that has global health implications,” said Richard Mueller, Biothera president and chief executive officer. “Gluco polysaccharide technology can be easily incorporated into most foods, beverages and supplements to improve the overall health of a population.”
In his presentation, Mr. Mueller emphasized the importance of manufacturers and governments working together to identify science-based ingredients that truly provide health benefits and to educate consumers about these benefits.
Other presenters included:
Roger Clemens, DrPH, CNS, FACN, FIFT
USC School of Pharmacy
Dr. Clemens discussed the challenges and opportunities for the food industry relating to the use of functional foods and natural products in prevent infection. He provided a general overview of the current regulatory and legal issues surrounding this area, and outlined future progress.
Paul Clayton, Ph.D.
Chair, Forum on Food and Health, Royal Society of Medicine (UK)
Dr. Clayton highlighted the weakness of the current therapeutic defences against the pending flu pandemic (anti-virals and vaccination), and outlined the uses of gluco 1-3, 1-6 polysaccharides to increase immunity among the general population. He also discussed the current and developing global problems of antibiotic resistance, and emphasised the importance of Wellmune WGP®, Biothera’s branded functional food and supplement ingredient, as tool to improve herd immunity in the post-antibiotic era.
Don Cox, Ph.D.
Vice President, Health R&D, Biothera
Dr. Cox presented clinical and preclinical research demonstrating the ability of Wellmune WGP to protect against numerous health challenges.
Ian Gould, BSc, MBChB, PhD, FRCP (Edin), FRCPath
Consultant Microbiologist, Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen
A UK-based expert in antibiotic resistance, Dr. Ian Gould presented data showing the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of a wide range of disease-causing bacteria. He reviewed and mapped the problems of MRSA, resistant salmonella, streptococci, coliforms, acinetobacter and pseudomonas. The consensus among microbiologists, he reported, is that the age of classic antibiotic control of infection is now under serious threat.
Mark Randle MbChB
UK-based Dr. Randle discussed the acute clinical problems that are emerging due to the intensive use of hand scrubs in an attempt to control hospital-acquired infection. One result of this strategy is an epidemic of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis affecting nursing staff, surgical staff and doctors and causing, which may be sufficiently severe to force retirement. New antiseptic technologies were discussed which will reduce this risk.
Szabolcs Ladi MbChB
Dr. Ladi is based in Budapest, Hungary, where he is collaborating with Dr. Paul Clayton on developing novel antibiotic strategies. Dr. Ladi and Dr. Clayton presented the clinical results of a novel intervention that amplifies humoral components of the innate immune system, and in this sense complements the actions of Wellmune WGP, which activates innate cellular components. Used as a standalone and in conjunction with Wellmune WGP, this new approach is extremely effective at dealing with many infection types.
About Biothera, the Immune Health Company
Biothera is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health. The company is developing pharmaceuticals that engage the innate immune system to fight cancer. Biothera also manufactures and markets Wellmune WGP® and other food-grade ingredients that support healthy immune function to the nutritional supplement, functional food, cosmetic and animal nutrition markets.
Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)