Deer velvet to be tested for healing human wounds

                              
 
 
MEDIA RELEASE
 
7 August 2009

 
Deer velvet to be tested for healing human wounds

 
The treatment of wounds using a unique deer velvet product will be tested on humans thanks to an investment by AgResearch, Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) and 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.
 
“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. 
 
Chairman of VARNZ, William Rolleston applauds the decision by AgResearch, saying that despite a risk of failure, this is exactly the area that CRIs should be investing in to potentially benefit the industries they serve.  While the direct return to AgResearch may be limited, the benefit to the industry and New Zealand would be significant.
 
Background on VARNZ
Velvet Antler New Zealand Ltd (VARNZ) is a joint venture between Deer Industry New Zealand and AgResearch Ltd. Its twin objectives are to undertake research on deer velvet and co-products, and manage the outputs of such work for the benefits of the New Zealand deer industry. Its work has spanned basic antler physiology, optimal stag nutrition, novel velvet extracts, stag welfare during antler removal, novel antler genes and velvet’s health benefits.
 
Background on Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ)
Deer Industry New Zealand is responsible for promoting and assisting the development of the New Zealand deer industry. Deer Industry New Zealand has a worldwide co-ordination role through research and promotion of quality products derived from deer - especially venison, velvet and co-products.
 
Background on AgResearch
AgResearch is New Zealand’s major pastoral research organisation and the largest Crown Research Institute operating nation-wide. It has four main campuses with 900 staff.  All research undertaken aims to underpin the New Zealand pastoral sector’s sustainability and profitability by establishing a range of biotechnologies and systems. 
 
AgResearch works in partnership alongside farmers, the agricultural sector, commercial and non-commercial organisations and other research institutions.
 
Deer research is a significant priority for AgResearch and profitability and sustainability of the sector are supported by a range of research programmes.
 
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