About Weka
Weka Biosciences is a New Mexico-based biotech startup that specializes in the production and sale of a new class of microbial glycosaminoglycan (GAG) polysaccharides. Our state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology allow us to produce high-quality, sustainable GAGs for use in a wide range of applications, from medical and pharmaceutical to food and beverage. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Weka Biosciences is leading the way in the production of GAGs.
The Innovation
Ambizan, also known as Testosteronan, is a newly identified glycosaminoglycan that is closely related to heparosan, the backbone of heparin. It is a complex carbohydrate with a unique structure and function that is currently being studied for its potential therapeutic applications. Ambizan has unique properties, making it a promising candidate for use in the treatment of various diseases and for chiral chromatography. Further research is needed to fully understand the properties and potential uses of Ambizan, but initial studies have shown promising results. Weka Biosciences holds an exclusive license to produce Ambizan.
What are GAGs?
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a type of complex carbohydrate found in the extracellular matrix of animal tissues. They are composed of repeating disaccharide units and are essential for maintaining the structural integrity and function of tissues.
GAGs were first discovered in the early 1900s by a scientist named Karl Meyer, who isolated them from shark cartilage. Since then, many different types of GAGs have been identified, including chondroitin sulfate, heparin, and hyaluronic acid.
Each type of GAG has a unique structure and function. For example, chondroitin sulfate is found in cartilage and helps maintain its elasticity, while heparin is a blood-thinning agent used in medicine. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a key component of the skin and helps retain moisture.
GAGs are naturally found in animal tissues, but they can also be produced through microbial fermentation. This allows for large-scale production and the ability to tailor the GAGs for specific purposes. For example, microbial GAGs can be used in the food and beverage industry as a thickening and gelling agent, or in the medical field as a drug delivery system.
GAGs are an important class of biomolecules with a wide range of uses. From their discovery to their current applications, GAGs continue to be a fascinating area of study in the field of biotechnology.