US cash injection for cancer scientists

Wednesday 28 July 2004

St Andrews scientists exploring the role of phyto-oestrogens in cancer prevention and treatment have attracted the attention of an American company which specialises in the nutritional treatment of cancer.

Haelan Products Inc – who provide a nutritional supplement, in the form of a fermented soy drink, to cancer patients – has donated £7,000 to the Bute Medical School, where work on cutting edge phyto- chemistry is carried out.

The Washington-based company is particularly interested in ongoing investigations into the role of phyto-oestrogens in cancer prevention and treatment, and approached the Bute after hearing Dr Margaret Ritchie talk at a conference earlier this year.

Foods containing high levels of phyto-oestrogens include wholemeal bread, soya yoghurt, raisins and other fruit.

Haelan have been impressed with the University’s reputation and expertise in phyto-chemistry and its development potential in medicine.

Dr Annette Hudson, a St Andrews graduate who is a consultant to Haelan, said:

‘One of the major aims of our company is to help patients with cancer. Haelan has provided alternative nutritional support for cancer patients and feels that the Bute Medical School is a rapidly developing centre of excellence in this area of medicine/phytochemistry. The company are delighted to be able to make this gesture of support to the university in recognition of their world class contribution to phyto-oestrogen research’.

Professor Hugh MacDougall, the University’s Dean of Medicine said, “We are very grateful for this donation which will go towards our new medical school teaching facility”.

ENDS

At a photocall today (Thursday 29th July 2004), the cheque was presented to the Dean of the Bute Medical School, Professor Hugh MacDougall.

Also in attendance were Dr Margaret Ritchie; Professor Michael Steel (Professor of Medicine at the Bute) and Professor Andrew Riches (Professor of Experimental Pathology at the Bute), Rob Nooitgedacht from Haelan; Dr Mike Morton from the University of Wales College of Medicine who is a collaborator on the phyto-oestrogen research programme; and Simon Goldie who is currently assisting with the phyto- oestrogen research at St Andrews.

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews For more information, please contact Gayle Cook, Press Officer – 01334 467227, 07900 050 103 or [email protected]; Ref: press releases/butedonation 270704 View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk


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