BERKELEY, Calif., Oct 01, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Berkeley BioSciences, Inc., co-founded by Dr. Leonard Bjeldanes, Professor and former Chairman of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at UC Berkeley and Dr. Gary Firestone, Director of the National Institutes of Health Cancer Research Program at UC Berkeley, announces the launch of ActivaMune -- an advanced immune support formula exclusively licensed from UC Berkeley. ( http://www.ActivaMune.com/).
ActivaMune is based on a breakthrough discovery by Dr. Bjeldanes and Dr. Firestone regarding the potent immune activating properties of Diindolylmethane (DIM), a naturally occurring compound found in Brassica vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts). This compound has been shown to modulate key immune enhancing cytokines in addition to inducing Interferon-Gamma Receptors on diseased cells, selectively marking them for destruction by the immune system with no effect on healthy cells.
DIM, at dietary supplemental dosages, is currently used as a treatment for Recurring Respiratory Papillomatosis tumors (caused by the Human Papillomavirus) and is in Phase III clinical trials for Cervical Dysplasia (also caused by HPV). Until this recent discovery regarding its potent immune modulating properties, the efficacy of this compound against these conditions was not clearly understood. As a result of this discovery, Diindolylmethane is currently under investigation as a natural therapeutic. DIM is also currently in clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute as a natural therapeutic for various forms of cancer.
Epidemiological studies have indicated that people who regularly consume Brassica vegetables have a significantly lower risk of cancer. Scientists believe that the three principal nutrients in Brassica vegetables responsible for these protective properties are: Diindolylmethane, Sulforaphane and Selenium. ActivaMune is the first dietary supplement in the market to deliver all three of these health promoting nutrients from Brassica vegetables in one capsule. Most Brassica extract pills on the market today do not contain any Diindolylmethane or Sulforaphane in them as the enzyme responsible for their production is destroyed during the manufacturing process. In addition to Brassica phytonutrients, ActivaMune also provides important nutrients from other vegetables as well to promote healthy aging.
Proceeds from ActivaMune sales support research and development of nature-based therapeutics for cancer, AIDS and other diseases.