Teleost basks in Arizonan sun

Teleost Biopharmaceutical, a spin-out of Arizona University, is moving from Boulder, Colorado, to Tucson, Arizona. The move follows the decision to engage in a long-term partnership with the original researchers at the university.

Teleost is commercialising a certain kind of naturally occurring molecule, a peptide, which it has found to better protect humans against skin cancer. The peptide is able to make the human body produce melanin, which protects the skin from dangerous radiation. The original discovery was made by Victor Hruby at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Moving closer to home will allow the company to build up a pipeline for future product development. Teleost was spun out in September 2014 via the university’s technology transfer office Tech Launch Arizona.

Victor Hruby, emeritus professor at Arizona University, said: “Working with Sean Shelby and his team at Teleost provides a unique opportunity to develop the discoveries we have made in this research area into products that can greatly aid men, women and young people who have problems dealing with the sun’s radiation, and who may develop skin cancer and other diseases. We are very excited to participate in this endeavour.”