Biotechnology-based Indian preparations get U.S. patents

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, JUNE 28. The Vittal Mallya Scientific Research Foundation established by the UB group has obtained patents in the U.S. for two biotechnology-based preparations.

The scientists at the Foundation have developed "CheckMite," a safe and eco-friendly aerosol spray which effectively controls house dust mites. The mite is considered to be the major cause of allergies, particularly bronchial asthma. The spray has fungicidal and disinfectant properties. An accredited laboratory in the U.K. has independently validated the efficiency of the spray in killing house dust mites, a UB spokesperson said.

In a survey conducted recently by the National Institute of Environmental Sciences in the U.S. it was found that beds in almost half of all American homes contained enough dust mites to trigger allergies. In the absence of any other effective and safe control measure, CheckMite was expected to have tremendous market potential globally.

The foundation has also been granted a U.S. patent for "Hydroxycitrisol," a natural anti-obesity agent prepared from Garcinia (kokum) that is widely found in forests in the Konkan and Malabar regions. Though several Garcinia-based hydroxycitric acid (HCA) products are available in the market, Hydroxycitrisol is considered unique in that it can be used with a wide variety of functional foods and beverages including beer.

"Soluneem" is another novel product developed by the foundation. Patents for this water soluble, safe and eco-friendly neem- derived pesticide formulation have been filed in India and abroad. Soluneem is considered ideal for organic farming. It is found to effectively control the coconut mite disease, which is spreading in alarming proportions in Kerala and Karnataka. A single injection of Soluneem can stop premature coconut fall and combat severe mite infestation. Regulatory clearances and validations are in the final stages, and the preparation is soon expected to be ready for the market.

The Vittal Mallya Foundation has undertaken a Government of India, Department of Bio-technology-sponsored project of social relevance, and successfully developed an immuno-diagnostic kit for species identification in snake bite cases. Scientists are also developing a new generation of species-specific anti-venin to treat snake bite victims.

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