Demegen gains patent for peptide- producing plants

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued Demegen Inc. (Pittsburgh) a patent for transgenic plants that express unique Demegen peptides. The patent, "Plants producing lytic peptides" (6,084,156), covers peptides with both helical and pleated-sheet structures. The peptides were designed by Demegen vice president of research Jesse M. Jaynes.

The technology covered in the patent has applications in engineered crops that are resistant to bacterial and fungal diseases. Currently, most genetically engineered crops address only insect and virus resistance and herbicide tolerance. In many cases, chemical fungicides are the only treatment alternative to protect against fungal disease, but they can add 5–10% to the cost of the crop and pose serious environmental concerns. As for bacterial diseases, there are frequently no treatments available, leaving genetic engineering as the only alternative.

Demegen's peptides have demonstrated excellent in vitro activity against gram negative bacteria that cause a variety of spot and wilt diseases and fungi that cause many important root, foliar, and crown diseases, as well as smuts and rusts. Researchers using Demegen technology have reported improved in planta resistance against plant diseases in such crops as apples, pears, potatoes, and cotton.

The company is currently seeking partners to use its technology in a variety of crops where there are major economic opportunities.

Demegen discovers, designs, and develops novel peptides, proteins, and genes for the treatment of cancer, cystic fibrosis, multi-drug resistant bacteria, and fungi. In addition to pharmaceutical products, applications also include genetically enhanced agricultural products.

For more information, contact Richard Ekstrom, president of Demegen, at 412-241-2150 or info@demegen.com.

Edited by Jim Pomager
Assistant Editor, Drug Discovery Online

Source: Demegen Inc.