ChromaDex buys licensing rights to new product

OXFORD — A natural products chemistry company has licensed the rights for a promising botanical compound from the University of Mississippi and the Agricultural Research Service, which is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

ChromaDex Corp. has signed an agreement for the commercial development of pterostilbene, a compound found in blueberries, grapes and other small fruits as well as the bark of some trees. In laboratory tests, it shows promise for improving cardiovascular health, glucose levels and cognitive function.

“Pterostilbene has the potential to be one of the most significant new ingredients the dietary supplement field has seen in a long time,” said Frank L. Jaksch Jr., co-founder and CEO of ChromaDex. “Based on the technology we licensed from the University of Mississippi and the USDA, ChromaDex will be announcing the commercial application of this ingredient, marketed as pTeroPure pterostilbene, in the coming weeks.”

The licensing agreement with ChromaDex is a prime example of how academic research can promote economic development, said Walt Chambliss, UM director of technology management.

ChromaDex, based in California, is a developer of phytochemical and botanical reference standards and the creation of associated intellectual property. The public company is committed to sustainable, “green chemistry” and provides the dietary supplement, food, beverage, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries with analytical tools, products and services.