Can genomics boost Degussa's nutraceutical search?

Degussa BioActives is to collaborate on a research project with Belgian company Galapagos Genomics to identify nutraceuticals beneficial in joint health management.

Under the agreement, Galapagos will design human cellular assays measuring key biological processes. This will involve assay development, screening of libraries of natural compounds, and validation of identified leads with focus on the field of arthritis in bone joint homeostasis. These assays will then be used to analyse Degussa's food extracts collection libraries for ingredients that stimulate bone growth cartilage renewal.

Galapagos will further validate the extracts that are identified through the assay for their bone cartilage stimulating capabilities using secondary cellular assays.

Degussa will have the exclusive rights to commercialise nutraceuticals that result from the research project, with Galapagos likely to receive milestone payments and royalties from new products.

"This collaboration will allow Degussa BioActives to utilise its libraries in a very beneficial way. We are very optimistic that we can identify good hits which can be used as nutraceuticals and contribute to Degussa's strong position worldwide in that growing market,"​ said Dr Hans-Ullrich Hoppe, Degussa BioActives​ vice president of research and development.

The agreement with the German company is the first foray into the nutraceutical field for Galapagos.

"The unique combination of Galapagos' human cellular disease models with Degussa's expertise in bioactives has high potential to identify new ingredients with proven health benefits,"​ added Onno van de Stolpe, CEO of the privately held Galapagos​.

The company is using its technology platform for the discovery of proprietary drug targets and for partnering with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. It focuses on Alzheimer's disease, bone/joint diseases and psoriasis.