Scientists with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi have successfully separated Di-Acetyl Glyceryl Ethyl (DGE), a substance having high medical value from the liver of two varieties of deep-sea sharks.

This breakthrough may lead to exciting research and drug development leads in prevention of cancer, skincare and immunity enhancement, claim the scientists, who had earlier separated a similar substance, 'Squalene,' from shark liver with same properties.

Disclosing the development to PHARMABIZ, Dr. T K Thankappan, Principal Scientist with CIFT said various advanced studies were being done on the development. The scientists are also simultaneously working on a few other related projects and leads. Soon CIFT may forward the data to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the parent body of CIFT, to patent the process and invention.

The scientists, Dr. T K Thankappan and Dr. P T Mathew, said the CIFT team separated Squalene from the liver of two varieties of sharks, Centrophorous and Squalidae, abundantly seen in the deep seas near Andaman & Nicobar Islands, about a decade ago. Based on the development, the DCGI gave permission to manufacture and market an immunity enhancement food supplement, 'Squal' during March 2001. ICAR is also in the process of patenting the development.

Based on the process developed by CIFT, Prof Sridharan of Badagara set up a first of its kind squalene processing plant named Aasha Biotech at Badagara near Kozhikode. ICAR also gave permission to Capsulations & Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., at Aroor near Cherthala to manufacture and market Squal. While Aasha Biotech is mainly concentrating on bulk supply of Squalene, the Aroor-based company manufacturers the drug under the brand name Squal Cap capsules. The drug is exported to many countries, though the availability of shark liver may affect production during off-seasons.

The scientists explained Squalene, a highly unsaturated hydrocarbon with various medicinal properties, is also available in small quantities in human serum and vegetable oil. Liver of the two varieties of sharks was found to have Squalene in abundance. When Squalene enters human body, it extracts water and oxygen from body fluids and liberates oxygen to the cells. This revitalizes damaged and weak body cells and helps in cell regeneration. Studies show Squalene has powers to prevent tumour and cancer causing cell formation, besides biosynthesis of cholesterol to normalize blood cholesterol level. Further, it has properties to protect against bacterial and fungal diseases affecting the skin and to improve immunity powers of the human body.