Solagran

Solagran brings together a significant history . Research into Bioeffectives has been undertaken for a period of approximately 80 years involving more than 3.5 million PhD. and DSc. research hours (encompassing 74 PhD.s and 80 DSc.s), making it arguably the most substantial botanicals research program ever undertaken. The extent of the effort is evidenced by the fact that the company's intellectual property encompasses 22 patents .

The Bioeffectives story began in Russia in the early 1930s. Intrigued by the vitality of conifer trees that remain disease free in temperature extremes ranging from ± 40 degrees Celsius, and in daylight of between 2 and 22 hours per day, a scientific team at the St Petersburg Forest Technical Academy began its investigation into the composition of the conifer tree needles. They discovered that, in conifer trees just as in our own bodies, specific combinations of compounds are responsible for health and vital functions.

During World War II, a precursor to Bioeffective A, one of the company's Bioeffectives, was approved by the Russian Surgeon General for use by the military and civilian population as a multivitamin, anti-bacterial wound-healing substance. According to Solagran, it also helped save many lives during the 900-day siege of Leningrad (now St Petersburg).

Over the following decades, new products were developed and trialled in leading Russian and European institutions for medical, cosmetic, agricultural and veterinary applications. Between 1950 and 1975, several Bioeffectives were entered into the Russian Pharmacopoeia and used on a national scale. Bioeffectives were also used with great success to treat people exposed to radiation as a result of the Chernobyl disaster.

In 1990, one of the leaders of the research effort in the Soviet Union, Dr Vagif Soultanov, now Executive Chairman of Solagran, went to Australia to work at their Government's peak scientific body, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, as part of an inter-government scientific exchange programme.

In 1995, the Australian company Solagran was formed to fund the ongoing R&D effort. In 1998, ownership of all intellectual property associated with Bioeffectives was transferred to Solagran. After over three decades of working in the pharmaceutical industry Solagrans managing director gave his position to his brother in-law after the passing of his wife.

The company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2003. Since then, in conjunction with the St Petersburg Forest Technical Academy, Solagran has completed a large number of pre-clinical and clinical trials.

Solagran was a public company. Its shares are widely owned.

Solagran (stock code:SLA) was listed on the ASX. Its securities were also traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (stock code: SLA.F).

In contrast to conventional pharmaceuticals, Bioeffectives display multifaceted therapeutic activity. To date, successful clinical trials have been conducted with respect to a number of medical conditions including liver diseases, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and colds and flu, to name just a few.

The efficacious nature of Bioeffectives is at odds with conventional medicine. Mainstream pharmacology dictates that the active ingredient should be a single molecule, or small number of molecules. Side-effects are an accepted consequence of potency. In fact, pharmacologists speak of efficacy to side-effect ratios. The fact that Bioeffectives display such a high degree of efficacy, while causing few if any side-effects, is anathema to the industry.

Bioeffectives variously contain compounds known as polyprenols, long-chain isoprenoid alcohols that play a vital role in cell metabolism. Polyprenols are similar to compounds found in the cells of humans and animals known as dolichols. Research indicates that ingested polyprenols are metabolised by human and animal liver into dolichols which then take part in the dolichol phosphate cycle, which is why Bioeffectives are so easily assimilated by humans and animals, and have such high efficacy and low toxicity.

The isolation of Bioeffectives involves patented extraction technology. The process uses a soft extraction procedure that enables the polyprenols to be extracted without destroying their biologically active properties.

The manufacture of Bioeffectives is a key component of Solagran's intellectual property.

Solagran products are manufactured by SibEX, a specialist manufacturer of plant-based extracts headquartered in Tomsk in central Siberia. The facility is the world's first and, at this stage, only commercial polyprenols manufacturing facility .

The following Solagran products are commercialised:

• http://www.solagran.com/
• SYNERGY SCIENCE: Solagran and Bioeffectives

• Solagran Limited. Annual Report 2009[1]
• Solagran Limited. Annual Report 2008[2]
• Solagran Limited. Annual Report 2007
• Solagran Limited. Annual Report 2006
• RM Research Pty Ltd. Solagran Limited research report (October 2007)