Mirkov's research showed that producing and recovering proteins from sugarcane are scientifically and economically feasible.

Millions of diabetics use a life-saving recombinant protein, insulin, every day. And over 300 therapeutic proteins are currently in various stages of research and clinical trials for approval to one day treat ailments ranging from cancer to cystic fibrosis.

ProCANE's chief operating officer, Joseph Jilka, said the company's current focus is on raising sufficient start-up funds and assembling a research and development staff to collaborate with Texas A&M scientists in College Station.

Jilka said he expects to have the new recombinant protein products on the market within four years.

"In the future we expect transgenic plants to be the method of choice for the production of low-cost, high-volume industrial-type proteins," he said.

ECOR's president and CEO, Michael A. Zito, said, "ECOR is focused on becoming a major player in the commercialization and delivery of proteins that help lengthen people's lives. By working with strategic partners like Texas A&M University, we feel a sense of pride in helping promote improvements in human health and healthcare."

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Contact: Edith Chenault
newsteam@agnews.tamu.edu
979-845-2886
Texas A&M University - Agricultural Communications
25-Jul-2003