Texas State tests potential new cancer-fighting weapon

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
September 9, 2009

Researchers in the Departments of Agriculture and Family and Consumer Sciences at Texas State University-San Marcos have completed initial testing of a cancer chemotherapeutic and anti-retroviral compound with promising results.

Dhiraj Vattem, professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Reed Richardson, professor in the Department of Agriculture, supervised the tests in cooperation with Orizon Research. Results were announced Sept. 9.

The product, known as ALKA-V6, is a proprietary modified silicon-based compound developed by Orizon Research. All evaluations were determined through in-vitro systems and no studies have been done with animals or humans at this time. The second phase of testing for ALKA-V6 will consist of end-point evaluations in in-vivo systems. Results from second-phase testing are expected within the next 12 months.

The anticancer studies revealed ALKA-V6:

• prevented attachment of cancer cells

• reduced harmful mutations in the DNA

• induced apoptosis (programmed cell death)

• stimulated important antioxidant enzymes

The anti-retroviral studies revealed ALKA-V6:

• increased nitric oxide dependent anti-viral effects

• inhibited enzymes important in viral assembly, metabolism, and replication

• caused changes in the surface carbohydrate composition and metabolism

• inhibited the activity of the enzyme responsible for reverse transcription

The unique electrochemical and structural composition of ALKA-V6 indicates that it may provide an alternative basis for control of cancer cell growth and virus survival. However, this implication is based solely on in-vitro results and end-point in- vivo evaluations are imperative.

For more information, contact Orizon Research, LLC, 4820 E. University Blvd, Odessa, Texas 79762, or via phone at (877) 367-7770.