Although all the clinical data aren't in yet, Conte's scientists succeeded in finding an antiviral agent derived from a medicinal plant used in South America that acts against respiratory viruses in vivo and in vitro. With a patent pending on the pure compound isolated from the plant, Conte hopes to start clinical trials later this summer. And Conte says she's already discussing licensing arrangements with some larger drug companies.
A notable recent development on the ethnobotanical front is creation of a jointly owned company established by Syntex Pharmaceuticals International Ltd. (SPIL) and the Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology (HKIB) last April 15. The new company, HKIB/Syntex Ltd., will build a research facility in Hong Kong to screen synthetics and natural compounds based on traditional medicines for their potential as new drugs. Two research institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the will also participate in this venture. A collaboration ...
