Plant-derived Pharmaceuticals TWG

A former group of NNFCC members, which existed to facilitate the development of the plant-derived pharmaceuticals supply chain in the UK.

Members came from agriculture, product processing and manufacturing, government, end-users and the underlying science base (including academia, SMEs and large pharmaceutical companies). The group discussed recent developments and strategies for progress. The group's remit included individual active compounds, semi-synthetic drugs, whole plant extracts and recombinant proteins and peptides.

The aim of the TWG was to form a committed and dynamic network of representatives from all levels of the UK plant pharmaceuticals supply chain, to realise economic and environmental benefits, and meet market requirements for quality, traceability, security, sustainability and cost. The group facilitated technology transfer, identifies barriers to market development and proposes strategies to overcome them.

An achievement of the group (January 2007) was an NNFCC-commissioned, Government-funded report, 'Plant-Based Pharmaceuticals: A Strategic Study Relating to UK Activity and Interests', by Fowler and Law. This report detailed the current state-of-play with regard to plant-derived pharmaceuticals in the UK and globally, and highlighted areas for UK development. The TWG was actively involved in taking the findings of the report forward.

Meetings

The following meetings have taken place;

1. Inaugural Meeting, 5 April 2005, York Science Park.
   This first meeting attracted over fifty delegates and provided a solid foundation for the TWG.
2. Plant-derived Pharmaceuticals Thematic Working Group: Hot Topics 2006, 10 May 2006, Rothamsted Conference Centre.
   Two main themes were covered; the renewed interest in using plant-produced secondary metabolites in drug discovery and development; and new evidence for the benefits of long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids in human health. Participants discussed the role of naturally occurring stearidonic acid and the production of longer-chain poly-unsaturates - normally found only in marine organisms - from plants.
3. Plant-Based Pharmaceuticals and Medicinals, 26 Oct 2006, The University of Reading.
   This TWG provided delegates with an opportunity to comment on the study led by Professor Mike Fowler ‘Plant-Derived Pharmaceuticals: A Strategic Study Relating to UK Activity’, which was jointly funded by Defra and DTI. Hosting this event jointly with the Bioscience for Business KTN allowed us to bring together a good range of delegates for valuable discussion. A key output from the study will be recommendations to DTI and Defra regarding the formulation of policies in the area of Plant-derived Pharmaceuticals.
4. The Available Methods for Natural Product Extraction, 10 May 2007, York.
   Natural products can be extracted using different solvents, co-solvents and techniques: these have different profiles in terms of the range of molecules extracted, the residues left behind, and the eventual purity of the extract. Presentations considered the different environmental profiles of extraction methods, for example in terms of energy use and the use of synthetic chemicals.
5. Plant-derived Pharmaceuticals, 02 November 2007, York.
   An update across the sector. Session in parallel with the NNFCC Annual Conference Green Supply Chain '07.
6. Plant Extracts - Opportunities in the Personal Care Sector, 22 April 2008, York.
   The remit of the group includes a range of ingredients derived from plants.  This meeting was an opportunity to listen to expertise in the personal care field.
7. Plant Products and Obesity, 12 May 2009, Manchester.
   Held jointly with the Health & Wellbeing Special Interest Group of Bioscience for Business KTN with support from the Food Processing KTN. An opportunity to learn more about obesity, metabolic syndrome and the possible role of inflammation in these conditions. To consider whether diet and dietary supplements can play a more active role in the nutritional management of patients.

Terms of Reference

The Plant-derived Pharmaceuticals Thematic Working Group (TWG) covered individual active compounds, semi-synthetic drugs, whole plant extracts and recombinant proteins and peptides.

1.1 Aims

• Bring together representatives from all sectors of the supply chain to develop a committed and dynamic network, in order to realise the economic and environmental benefits of growing and processing crops in the UK to meet market requirements for quality, traceability, security, sustainability and cost.
• The network represented the fundamental science base, agriculture, manufacturers, processors, end users and government. It will act as a recognised focal point to facilitate technology, identify barriers to further market development and propose strategies to overcome these hurdles.

1.2 Methodology

The NNFCC initiated, developed and coordinated a Network of stakeholders drawn from all elements of the supply chain. The Network was administered by the NNFCC and an appropriate management structure, drawn from Network members, was implemented to ensure efficient delivery of Network objectives. The outputs of the Network were focused events, education/marketing tools and position papers with clear strategies for delivery.

1.3 Key Activities

• Defined the current state of play with regard to crops that are, or could be, grown and processed in the UK to meet the requirements of the sector market. Considered strengths and weaknesses of the UK in this area, and the opportunities and threats arising from new legislation and regulation relating to safety, quality, security and sustainability.
• Promoted synergies between the agricultural, academic, industrial and governmental sectors by providing a platform for discussion and sharing of knowledge and best practice. Hosted an interactive web based forum for information exchange and debate.
• Developed proposals to further the UK's involvement in this sector, identify appropriate funding mechanisms and advise funding bodies on areas that merit support. Developed economic and environmental models to quantify the benefits of UK production and processing in this area.
• Supported public awareness initiatives and educational events relating to the benefits of plant-derived materials in health and personal care.