Recent Study Finds MitoPharm's Schisandrin B Possesses an Optimal Molecule Structure for Conferring

Jun 18, 08:04 AM

Current Headlines: Mitopharm Corporation, Inc. (Pink Sheets:MTPM), releases the results of a research paper where Professor Dr. Robert Ko reports on defining the molecular features of Schisandrin B, the precursor of (-) Schisandrin B - a novel discovery by Dr. Ko -- which are responsible for the beneficial effects on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion.

MitoPharm believes that its products have the potential to play a significant role in addressing the aging concerns of the baby boomers, the heart-health and heart-diseases markets, and the segment of the population that is physically active.

In a research paper entitled, "STRUCTURAL DETERMINANTS OF SCHISANDRIN B WHICH ENHANCE MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTIONAL ABILITY AND GLUTATHIONE STATUS AS WELL AS HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN RAT HEARTS AND H9C2 CELLS"; Ko and Chiu; Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 2005; 276: 227-234, Professor Dr. Robert Ko reports on defining the molecular features of Schisandrin B, the precursor of (-) Schisandrin B - a novel discovery by Dr. Ko -- which are responsible for the beneficial effects on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion.

Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is the number one killer in Western countries. While ischemia can only be rescued by the re-supply of blood to the heart, reperfusion of the blood-deprived heart causes an additional damage, resulting in heart dysfunction and eventual death. Agents that offer heart protection against ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury is therefore of great therapeutic value in the prevention and treatment of IHD.

Schisandrin B is an active ingredient from Schisandra Berry, which is traditionally used as a cardio-tonic. Earlier studies in our laboratory demonstrated that Schisandrin B protects the heart against myocardial I-R injury through enhancing tissue glutathione antioxidant status. Recent study showed that Schisandrin B could enhance mitochondrial energy generation, antioxidant defense, as well as heat shock protein production in the heart. This investigation aimed to define the characteristic features of Schisandrin B molecule which are responsible for producing these beneficial actions. The results indicate that the methylenedioxy group and the cyclooctadiene ring are important molecular feature of Schisandrin B in enhancing mitochondrial energy generation capacity, antioxidant defense, as well as heat shock protein production.

The finding supports the notion that Schisandrin B possesses an optimal molecule structure for conferring protection against heart damage.

Since the publication of this finding, Dr. Ko has identified an isomer of Schisandrin B, (-) Schisandrin B - a novel discovery - which possesses a more potent pharmacological profile than that of Schisandrin B. Patented use of this newly discovered compound, (-) Schisandrin B, for the prevention and treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease has been applied for with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

For a copy of this research report, please contact the publisher, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.

About the Company

MitoPharm Corporation www.mitopharm.com is a biotechnology company in the research & development, marketing and sale of drugs, dietary supplements, and functional beverages. The initial products are based on a newly discovered compound (the "Compound") that is the result of over 15 years of research and development by one of its founding shareholders, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ("HKUST").

At HKUST, scientific studies have identified biochemical actions of MitoPharm's key Compound, demonstrating that it enhances the mitochondrial glutathione antioxidant status, a crucial factor in maintaining mitochondrial function and cell survival, and also induces the expression of heat shock proteins, another group of important molecules for cell protection. Management's research indicates that these biochemical actions differentiate the Compound from other existing, known compounds, either synthetic or naturally occurring, in its ability to protect organs including the heart, the liver, and the brain.

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