Senetek signs research deal with investigators of new class of plant extracts

By E. Janene Geiss

Philadelphia, March 6 - Senetek plc announced Monday the signing of a cooperative research agreement with two noted researchers in Greece, Dr. Efstathios S. Gonos, director of research of the department of molecular and cellular aging, Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology of the National Hellenic Research Foundation, and his colleague Dr. Ioanna Chinou, associate professor of the division of pharmacognosy-chemistry of natural products, school of pharmacy, of Athens University.

Doctors Gonos and Chinou are investigating a class of plant extracts and various analogs for their proteasome activation and damaged protein scavenging bioactivity. The agreement gives Senetek exclusive access to all of the researchers' scientific data within this category and provides for Senetek to participate in funding the testing and development of those compounds it may select and in filing and prosecuting new patents covering related inventions. Senetek would have the option to enter into exclusive global licenses under the researchers' existing patent applications and future jointly developed patents for all applications, according to a company news release.

Gonos received a Ph.D in biochemistry from the University of Glasgow in 1989 and since 2002 has been the director of research of the department of molecular and cellular aging within the Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, which focuses on the genetic and environmental factors affecting human aging and longevity. He has published more than 60 research articles in eminent journals, is author of several monographs and is a patent holder.

Chinou received her Ph.D from the University of Athens in 1988 and has been associate professor of the division of pharmacognosy-chemistry of natural products, school of pharmacy, of the University of Athens since 2002, focusing on the phytochemistry of biologically active antimicrobial and cytotoxic natural products. She is the author of more than 75 research articles in peer-reviewed phytochemical journals as well as several monographs.

"Senetek is pleased to announce this further step in its plan to become a leader in the development and commercialization of proprietary, plant-derived compounds offering differential advantages in addressing the effects of aging on human skin. This agreement, which closely follows the pattern of Senetek's cooperative research and development agreement with the Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, opens the door on a whole new group of plant-derived active ingredients for assessment and development by Senetek's Aarhus, Denmark, laboratories and its academic and commercial research partners," Brian F. C. Clark, Senetek's chief scientist, said in the release.

Senetek is a Napa, Calif., life sciences-driven product development and licensing company focused on the high growth market for dermatological and skin care products primarily addressing photodamage and age-related skin conditions.

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