Florida State University and 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals move forward with new agreement to speed up development of promising health products
Florida – Florida State University (FSU) has teamed up with 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals in a move that could bring a breakthrough health product to market. The university recently signed an option agreement with the biotech firm, giving the company access to patented research centered on a compound called Castanospermine. This naturally occurring substance, derived from the seeds of the Moreton Bay chestnut tree, is being studied for its strong anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
The compound has generated attention within the scientific community due to its potential to block the replication of viruses and influence key biochemical processes in the body. By forming this partnership, FSU and 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals hope to fast-track the development of new health-related products, possibly even a dietary supplement or botanical treatment.
“FSU researchers are producing work that has real-world impact in a variety of fields, including human health,” said Valerie McDevitt, Associate Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives at FSU. “We are excited to expand our collaboration with 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals to bring FSU technologies to the public.”
Castanospermine has been under investigation at FSU for years, largely through the work of Professor of Medicine Gary K. Ostrander and Assistant Vice President for Research Eric Holmes. The duo holds several patents related to the compound, including a critical method for purifying it on a large scale. This process ensures that any health product developed from the compound will meet safety and quality standards.
The agreement marks an important step toward commercialization, giving 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals the ability to explore the compound’s potential use in consumer products. The company specializes in developing therapies for infectious diseases and believes this compound might be an excellent candidate for a fast-track product.
“Castanospermine alkaloids and derivatives have been well studied in both clinical and non-clinical studies, and we believe there is a lot of potential to get a product to market quickly that would be beneficial to human health,” said Geoff Dow, CEO of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals. He added that the company plans to spend the next six to twelve months evaluating the compound and its feasibility as a dietary supplement or botanical extract.
Castanospermine’s unique chemical structure allows it to interfere with enzymes that play important roles in sugar processing and protein attachment to cell membranes. That’s part of the reason researchers are optimistic about its use in a wide range of conditions, especially those related to viral infections and inflammation.
“We’ve seen how much potential the compound has and offers us promising avenues for a variety of conditions,” said Ostrander. “The ongoing research continues to uncover its multifaceted benefits, making it a really intriguing candidate for future therapeutics and other health products.”
Holmes also emphasized the scientific promise of the compound, saying, “Castanospermine is a potent natural compound, and its unique structural properties really open up a plethora of possibilities scientifically.”
With the agreement in place, FSU’s Office of Commercialization will continue to work alongside 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals to support further research, ensure regulatory compliance, and help move the project from the lab to the marketplace. It’s a partnership rooted in science, but driven by the shared mission of improving human health.
This collaboration highlights FSU’s commitment to translating academic research into real-world solutions. If successful, it could mark a major milestone in bringing natural, effective health treatments to the public—products that not only address gaps in healthcare but are also grounded in years of rigorous scientific study.
For those interested in learning more about FSU’s technology transfer efforts or the university’s other commercial partnerships, additional details can be found on the FSU Commercialization website.
