SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 13, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Health Enhancement Products, Inc. (OTCBB:HEPI) today announced John 'Jack' Vanden Heuvel PhD, Professor of Molecular Toxicology and Co-Director of the Center for Excellence in Nutrigenomics at Penn State University, as well as the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Indigo Biosciences, Inc., has joined the Company's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) effective immediately.
Dr. Vanden Heuvel's lab at PSU focuses a great deal on omega-3 fatty acids and other bioactive molecules found in the diet. His extensive research in this area has helped to pioneer several new discoveries in the field of Nutrigenomics, or the study of how natural products interact with our DNA to affect lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation and other clinically-important areas.
Dr. Vanden Heuvel commented, "This is a great opportunity to help guide the research efforts of Health Enhancement Products in the development of their cholesterol–regulating products. It is an honor to serve on their SAB and I welcome the opportunity to offer my expertise and experience in the field."
Dr. Vanden Heuvel's primary research interests are in understanding the molecular biology of nuclear receptors (nuclear receptors are a class of proteins found within the interior of cells that are responsible for sensing the presence of steroid and thyroid hormones and certain other molecules. In response these receptors work in concert with other proteins to regulate the expression of specific genes thereby controlling the development, homeostasis, and metabolism of the organism), in particular the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). PPARs, a group of receptors on the cell nucleus that control the expression of key genes, are targets of several clinically-relevant drugs, pollutants and nutrients, and are of broad interest in many disciplines including toxicology, cancer biology and nutrition. Dr. Vanden Heuvel and associates have been utilizing their research tools in molecular biology and gene expression to understand the role of nuclear receptors in the beneficial effects of dietary fatty acids in preventing cancer, obesity and diabetes. Research funding comes from the National Institute of Health (NIH), American Institute of Cancer Research, Susan B. Komen Funds and several pharmaceutical and trade organizations. To date, Dr. Vanden Heuvel has produced 73 peer-reviewed publications, been the lead editor and author of 3 books and written 24 book chapters. Due to the number of requests for research services from pharmaceutical companies, in 2005 Dr. Vanden Heuvel and a colleague founded Indigo Biosciences, Inc. Originally developed as a contract research organization, many small to mid-sized companies have utilized Indigo Bioscience's expertise to test their compounds for nuclear receptor activity. Beginning in 2007, the primary focus has been on developing a line of nuclear receptor assay kits. Dr. Vanden Heuvel serves as the Chief Scientific Officer and is in charge of all research services and uses his expertise in drug discovery to assist in product development. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Indigo Biosciences, Inc.
Dr. Vanden Heuvel received his B.S. degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 1986 and his PhD in Environmental Toxicology in 1991, both from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Dr. Vanden Heuvel's post-doctoral training was at the National Institutes of Environmental Sciences (NIEHS) in Research Triangle Park, NC, in the Laboratory of Biochemical Risk Assessment. His first academic position was as an Assistant Professor at Purdue University and he has been at Penn State since 1997.
John Gorman of Health Enhancement Products commented, "We are thrilled to be able to attract someone of Dr. Vanden Heuvel's stature. His broad knowledge of the emerging field that we find ourselves in makes him a perfect fit for HEPI in this exciting time for our company."
The recently reconstituted and growing SAB is expected to help address a variety of issues regarding the development and applications of the Company's bioactive compound, ProAlgaZyme (PAZ). Dr. Vanden Heuvel was a key recruit for the HEPI SAB particularly because of his immense knowledge and experience in the fields of gene expression and mechanisms of action relating to cholesterol metabolism.
About Health Enhancement Products, Inc.
Health Enhancement Products, Inc. (OTCBB:HEPI) is a health and wellness company engaged in the development of a dietary supplement product using only pure, all-natural ingredients. The Company's premier product is ProAlgaZyme (PAZ), a liquid product drawn from living algae grown in purified water. The water in which the algae are grown is drawn off, filtered and bottled as ProAlgaZyme.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for any historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including the timing of completion of a trial, actual future clinical trial results being different than the results the company has obtained to date, and the company's ability to secure funding. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.
For more information, please visit www.heponline.com/">http://www.heponline.com.