Velvet to be tested for wound healing properties

The treatment of wounds using a unique deer velvet product will be tested on humans thanks to an investment by AgResearch, DINZand their joint venture company VARNZ Ltd. The product, "RepaiRx", has emerged from an ongoing research programme between DINZ and AgResearch to study the unique properties of deer velvet reports Straight Furrow. "If trials are successful we will seek commercialisation of what could be a significant breakthrough in treatment of some types of chronic wounds," said Dr Jimmy Suttie, Science and Technology general manager of AgResearch's Applied Biotechnologies Group. "While any benefits of this work are some time away there is real potential for alleviating human suffering. This is a great example of where industry and science have worked in true partnership to develop the product and are now continuing with that collaborative effort to get the product to the next stage". DINZ CEO, Mark O'Connor said "the objective is to generate a significant return from an investment in RepaiRx, for deer farmers, for the industry and for people with medical issues.  "Currently deer velvet's main market is in Asia and if this venture is successful it will increase demand, increase prices and open up new markets for the product." All partners are aware that the product has a long way to go and could fail, but results of tests over recent years have been positive and give grounds for this further trial. If the initial human testing is successful, clinical trials would be expected in 2012, with further success in these leading to full commercialisation around 2014-16.