more... > New Technologies > Pharmaceuticals > Welcome to the New Pharmaceutical Technologies page. The AgCenter encapsulates great science into practical treatments for cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Using these cutting edge and effective treatments will be an easy pill for patients and producers to swallow. Detection of Spongiform Encephalopathy [Image: Image of Flyer] This invention is a novel method of detecting transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) in blood and other bodily fluid. TSE covers mad cow disease, scrapie in sheep, chronic wasting disease in deer, and Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease in humans that have been linked with infection by spiroplasma bacteria. The detection method uses a novel group of nucleotide primers, or pieces of DNA specific to spiroplasma, to determine the presence and type of Spiroplasma spp. in fluid. Statin/Icariin Formulations with Increased Solubility [Image: Image of Flyer] AgCenter scientists have developed a new encapsulation formulation to increase the solubility of statin and icariin compounds. The increase in solubility was tens of thousands fold for both compounds according to lab experiments. This can greatly increase the bioavailability, or absorption into the body, of statin- and icariin-related drugs. Both concepts have been formulated into powders with relatively high drug loads. All ingredients used in the process are natural. Natural Cell Signaling Pathway Inhibiting Extract [Image: Image of Flyer] A new natural plant extract has been discovered that inhibits cell signaling pathways to prevent certain cells from communicating and growing. By strongly inhibiting multiple cell signaling pathways, such as mTOR and P13K/Akt, this new material can eliminate very late-stage prostate cancers that have previously been difficult to treat. It also can block certain proteins and enzymes linked to diabetes, obesity and tissue inflammation. Natural Blood Vessel Growth-inhibiting Compound [Image: Image of Flyer] This invention is a novel combination of natural extracts that has the ability to strongly inhibit the development of blood vessels that feed cancer and other diseases related to blood vessel growth, such as psoriasis. The synergistic interaction of these materials increases efficacy, and the body can readily absorb the extracts through the skin. This material also has shown promise in vitro to overcome cells’ natural drug resistance and defenses.  more articles... Natural Drug Solubilizing Extract [Image: Image of Flyer] This new group of compounds uses natural extracts to increase the solubility of drugs. Unlike other solubility-enhancing compounds, these will work on molecules of any size and will not slow down the speed at which drugs enter circulation and move throughout the body. This technology has been licensed. Please contact the AgCenter Office of Intellectual Property for information on partnering with our licensee. Effective Bovine Coronavirus Vaccine [Image: Image of Flyer] AgCenter scientists have invented a vaccine and diagnostic for Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV). Studies with the vaccine have shown that it helps cattle’s immune system produce more BCoV antibodies to fight the disease and protects the herd from catching virus from other infected cattle. Elements of the vaccine can be purified to form an advanced diagnostic that can detect the presence of BCoV to help isolate and prevent future outbreaks. Effective Treatment for Atherosclerosis [Image: Image of Flyer] AgCenter scientists have created a new molecule to stop atherosclerosis. The molecule prevents plaque from building on and sticking to the artery walls, reducing the chances of blood clots that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It functions as an antioxidant designed to stick to plaque better and prevent more from forming.