EpiGen Announces Collaboration with Nestlé

21 November 2011 –The EpiGen Consortium, an international alliance of the world’s leading epigenetics researchers (AgResearch Limited, Auckland UniServices Limited, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and National University of Singapore, University of Southampton, Medical Research Council – Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit) is pleased to announce the creation of a research collaboration with Nestlé Research Center in Switzerland.

The partnership brings together scientists from both the public and private sectors to improve human health through the application of epigenetic tools and technologies.

EpiGen will collaborate with Nestlé Research Centre and Nestlé Nutrition to undertake a research programme to understand and substantiate optimal nutrition for mothers during pregnancy and for infants to promote metabolic health throughout life. The ultimate goal of the programme is to make recommendations, supported by robust science, for the best maternal and infant nutrition strategies.

These studies will rely on epigenetics, the biology of understanding how gene function is regulated by environmental factors, such as maternal nutrition, during the very early stages of development. EpiGen will contribute its expertise in this emerging scientific field, while Nestlé will contribute its outstanding knowledge of maternal and infant nutrition.

“This important collaboration will build on the on-going research conducted by Nestlé scientists in the field of metabolic programming to formulate the best nutritional products for mothers and their infants,” said Professor Peter van Bladeren, Vice President of Nestlé Science & Research. “The comprehensive knowledge of EpiGen researchers combined with Nestlé’s scientific expertise will bring epigenetics to the forefront in the understanding of early nutrition for the promotion of health throughout life.” 

“If we are to improve the health of women and children we need effective partnerships between academia and the private sector, as it is clear that good nutrition at the beginning of life is a key factor in determining metabolic health. This international partnership is based on cutting edge science of the highest quality with each party bringing unique expertise to focus on this important subject,” added Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, Managing Scientist for the EpiGen Consortium.

“This new partnership presents a unique opportunity to work with industry on multidisciplinary research that recognises the importance of early life nutrition in underpinning lifelong health,” comments Professor Wayne Cutfield, Director of The University of Auckland’s Liggins Institute, which is represented in EpiGen by Auckland UniServices Limited.

Dr Peter Lee, Chief Executive of Auckland UniServices Limited, also commented on the significance of the new partnership. “This collaboration will have a real impact on human health but also on the ability of EpiGen to reach its full potential. UniServices has played a major role in EpiGen since its establishment in 2006 and we will continue to support EpiGen’s exceptional science and drive the development of real world applications,” said Dr Lee.

AgResearch Chief Executive Dr Tom Richardson said this partnership recognizes the underpinning value of emerging technologies such as epigenetics in agriculture in which AgResearch is building an internationally recognised capability. “AgResearch is delighted to be part of this major collaborative effort between academic and commercial partners to the benefit of New Zealand based stakeholders in the food and agriculture sectors,” noted Dr Richardson.

This synergistic partnership is the culmination of mutual scientific interest and positive exchanges between EpiGen, the Nestlé Research Centre and Nestlé Nutrition. The combined strengths of these public and private sector research institutions will accelerate learning and discovery in this important area of human nutrition.

About EpiGen

EpiGen is a consortium of leading researchers in the fields of epigenetics and metabolic programming, comprising six research centres in three countries (AgResearch Limited, Auckland UniServices Limited, University of Southampton, Medical Research Council – Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and National University of Singapore).  EpiGen strives to identify and understand the epigenetic modifications of specific genes by environmental factors which occur early in life. The aim of on-going studies managed by EpiGen is to develop biomarkers and targeted interventions, as well as new technology platforms for epigenomic research. 

About Nestlé Science & Research

Nestlé Science & Research, encompassing the Nestlé Research Center and its extensive network of external alliances, is a leading research entity in food, nutrition and life sciences. Based on Nestlé’s research emphasis, Nestlé Science & Research builds strategic alliances with leading scientific institutions in the world to bring a full breadth of knowledge to its nutrition, health and wellness research. A diverse staff of Nestlé researchers from a broad range of scientific competencies together with external collaborators worldwide are central to fulfilling Nestlé’s vision of Good Food, Good Life.

Nestlé Research focuses on consumer health benefit areas and employs a multidisciplinary approach to science and research that encompasses diverse scientific disciplines such as life sciences, food technology, nutrigenomics and sociology, Nestlé strives to bring practical nutrition solutions to consumers. Learn more about the Nestlé Research Center at www.research.nestle.com.

About Nestlé Nutrition

Nestlé Nutrition is a global business within the Nestlé group, managing and developing the core nutrition business. Its product portfolio covers Infant Nutrition, Performance Nutrition and Weight Management. Through its passion for innovation and its science-based nutrition products and services, Nestlé Nutrition helps enhance the quality of each individual’s life by providing superior products and services with meaningful nutritional benefits. For infants exclusive breast feeding is best in the first six months of life but for those who cannot be breastfed, Nestlé commits to making the best infant formulas and marketing them in full compliance with the WHO Code as it is implemented by governments.  Our strong foundation in science is underpinned by a global R&D network to develop specific solutions for complex nutritional needs – translating science into products that deliver functional health benefits. For more detailed information, go to www.nestlenutrition.com.

For more scientific information, please contact:

Dr. Jo Slater-Jefferies
EpiGen Consortium Manager
J.Slater-Jefferies@southampton.ac.uk