Daniel Tusé, Ph.D., Vice President of Pharmaceutical Development at Biosource, stated, “Biosource and SRI International have been exploring new medical uses for melanin. In preliminary studies supported by Biosource, an SRI research team led by Nahid Mohagheghpour, Ph.D., found that certain compositions of Biosource’s melanin could strongly inhibit the production of TNF-a, IL-1 and IL-6, three cytokines implicated in the genesis and progression of such diseases as cachexia (wasting syndrome affecting AIDS and cancer patients), rheumatoid arthritis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease.”

Michael Tracy, D. Phil., Vice President of SRI's Pharmaceutical Discovery Division, added, “Biosource’s unique melanin manufacturing technology, coupled to SRI’s comprehensive capabilities and experience in drug discovery and development, allowed us to quickly generate the data needed to support the SBIR application. The SBIR award will now allow us to screen a family of melanins and select the safest and most efficacious candidates for additional development.”

Headquartered in Vacaville and founded in 1987, Biosource Technologies is engaged in the development and commercialization of new pharmaceutical and specialty biochemical products. The Company currently has over 150 U.S. and foreign patents pending or issued. Biosource's product development efforts have focused on unique antiinfectives, oncological compounds and immunologicals.

SRI International is one of the nation's oldest and largest research, technology development and consulting organizations. Based in the heart of Silicon Valley, SRI employs 2,700 people worldwide to provide corporations, governments and organizations with the technology research, resources and business strategies needed for competing more effectively in today's changing global environment. The Pharmaceutical Discovery Division provides integrated chemical, biochemical, biological and pharmaceutical expertise to pharmaceutical companies worldwide.