Berrigen Biotechnology was founded to commercialize the research of several plant scientists. The initial research of the company was fruit components and their effects on human cancer development. Berrigens approach has been to develop fruit, which varies by only single component groups. This will allow those conducting clinical trials to eliminate confounding effects of food matrix and varying concentrations of other fruit constituents. The firm's initial "model crop" is raspberries, which have demonstrated strong activity in vitro human colorectal cancer cell assays and in model rat intestinal trials. The intentd is to produce "clinical trial" quantities of these fruit at partner farm, Ruby Mountain Nursery near Alamosa, Colorado, where conditions allow growth without the use of pesticides. Again this reduces the possibility of artifact effects in cancer studies. The firm is looking to expand work to cover developmental issues of plants. Of primary interest are genes that control adaptability to climate, specifically to tropical and subtropical areas. This includes the controlling mechanisms to produce fruit for the off season market. Future research includes several fruit quality traits, specifically extension of fruit integrity, taste and appearance. Data from the initial anticancer effect trials will direct our efforts to develop fruit with enhanced nutriceutical value. This research will be conducted jointly with our sister company, Five Aces Breeding LLC (established 2002). Five Aces has clients worldwide and produces over 25,000 raspberry seedlings per year for evaluation by production companies. Through either standard hybridization or biotechnological methods, Five Aces will produce and commercialize Berrigens products.
