Sheldon Baker07.22.11
Dr. Gad M. Gilad received his PhD in neurobiology and behavior from Cornell University. His research focus is the traumatic stress response of the nervous system and the development of new therapeutics. His collaboration with Varda Gilad while working at several academic centers, including the National Institutes of Health, Weizmann Institute and Harvard University, resulted in more than 100 peer reviewed scientific papers and several patents. He is the co-founder and CEO of Gilad&Gilad LLC, a Reseda, CA- based company, which manufactures and markets nutraceutical supplements for nerve health.
Health E-Insights: G-agmatine is an ingredient many readers have not heard about. How did you discover it?
Dr. Gilad: G-agmatine is Gilad&Gilad's trademark of agmatine, a naturally occurring metabolite of the amino acid arginine, discovered in 1910 by the Nobel Prize winner Albrecht Kossel. It is a naturally occurring molecule, found in microbial organisms, plants and animals and present in many foodstuff. Working together with Varda Gilad (Dr. Gilad’s wife), the research in my laboratory focused for many years on the molecular and biochemical correlates of the nervous system reaction to injury and stress. During the 1980s we discovered and characterized the critical role of small molecules called polyamines in nerve cell survival after injury. These studies led to the 1995 discovery of the robust neuro-protective effects of agmatine, which is biochemically related to polyamines, and the accelerated recovery it imparts in laboratory animals after various nervous system injuries (e.g., physical, metabolic, stroke and toxic injuries). Following extensive research into its mechanisms of action, we conducted the first clinical studies to prove the safety and efficacy of G-agmatine. And in 2010, exactly a century after its discovery, our scientific bench-to-bedside journey culminated with the publication of these studies in the medical journal Pain Medicine (Vol. 11: 356–368, 2010) demonstrating the safety and efficacy of dietary G-agmatine for people with sciatica.
Health E-Insights: In 50 words or less, why does someone buy your product?
Dr. Gilad: The reason people buy Neurofencine is two-fold. One, they are in need for resilient nerves and pain-free nerve functions, so they can keep up a better quality of life. Two, as a dietary supplement, Neurofencine does not have any serious side effects.
Health E-Insights: What excites you most about your company?
Dr. Gilad: We were most fortunate and lucky to be able to develop our initial scientific discovery into a successful final product thus, providing an effective solution for people who are suffering. Receiving positive feedback and thanks from customers who benefit from it and from their physicians is most gratifying. We are surprised and excited at watching the rapid growth of our company.
Health E-Insights: Can the pending legislation impact your company?
Dr. Gilad: Not only does it not impact our company, but the new FDA Draft Guidance further clarifies why our ingredient, G-agmatine, and the supplement, Neurofencine, in the formulation, do not require NDI notification. This is basically for two reasons, which are defined by the DSHEA law. First, G-agmatine is a direct amino acid metabolite and as such it is defined by the law as a dietary ingredient. And second, G-agmatine being an NDI in the dietary supplement has been present in the food supply as an article used for food in a form in which the food has not been chemically altered and thus, does not require a NDI notification. The draft further gives a specific example attesting exactly to this issue.
Health E-Insights: What are your plans for growth?
Dr. Gilad: As a young company, we are yet to achieve the exponential phase of growth. The potential is huge, but we still have a way to go for spreading the gospel to the millions who would benefit from our products and to their healthcare providers. It's no secret that the regulatory laws of the industry impose a great challenge to promotion efforts. In this regard, we are of course always on the look for third party endorsements. And we continue to take advantage of our ability as scientists to publish in professional scientific journals, and to exhibit in relevant medical society meetings. Importantly, we are looking to collaborate with more regional, national and international distributors. In fact, we recently started exporting Neurofencine to Singapore, which will open the door to the large market of Southeast Asia. Also on the agenda are activities aiming to add new marketing targets. Thus, we initiated two clinical trials for new health indications. Additionally, we recently began marketing and sales to the veterinary market, primarily dogs and horses. No shortage of plans there.
Health E-Insights: Has there been an influential person in your career?
Dr. Gilad: Varda Gilad has been and still is the most influential person in my career. Being my life-long partner in family, scientific and business careers, I am greatly influenced by her ongoing criticism, advice and support, and admire her wisdom in defining reality and developing action plans.
Health E-Insights: How do you evaluate success?
Dr. Gilad: Some say, and I agree, that you evaluate success by your ability to give from your own abundance. In other words, achieving abundance is not a measure of success, but sharing it is. I try to act this way.
Sheldon Baker wants to interview you. For more information contact Sheldon at sbaker@bakerdillon.com. And visit his website at www.bakerdillon.com and blog at www.NutraInk.com.
Health E-Insights: G-agmatine is an ingredient many readers have not heard about. How did you discover it?
Dr. Gilad: G-agmatine is Gilad&Gilad's trademark of agmatine, a naturally occurring metabolite of the amino acid arginine, discovered in 1910 by the Nobel Prize winner Albrecht Kossel. It is a naturally occurring molecule, found in microbial organisms, plants and animals and present in many foodstuff. Working together with Varda Gilad (Dr. Gilad’s wife), the research in my laboratory focused for many years on the molecular and biochemical correlates of the nervous system reaction to injury and stress. During the 1980s we discovered and characterized the critical role of small molecules called polyamines in nerve cell survival after injury. These studies led to the 1995 discovery of the robust neuro-protective effects of agmatine, which is biochemically related to polyamines, and the accelerated recovery it imparts in laboratory animals after various nervous system injuries (e.g., physical, metabolic, stroke and toxic injuries). Following extensive research into its mechanisms of action, we conducted the first clinical studies to prove the safety and efficacy of G-agmatine. And in 2010, exactly a century after its discovery, our scientific bench-to-bedside journey culminated with the publication of these studies in the medical journal Pain Medicine (Vol. 11: 356–368, 2010) demonstrating the safety and efficacy of dietary G-agmatine for people with sciatica.
Health E-Insights: In 50 words or less, why does someone buy your product?
Dr. Gilad: The reason people buy Neurofencine is two-fold. One, they are in need for resilient nerves and pain-free nerve functions, so they can keep up a better quality of life. Two, as a dietary supplement, Neurofencine does not have any serious side effects.
Health E-Insights: What excites you most about your company?
Dr. Gilad: We were most fortunate and lucky to be able to develop our initial scientific discovery into a successful final product thus, providing an effective solution for people who are suffering. Receiving positive feedback and thanks from customers who benefit from it and from their physicians is most gratifying. We are surprised and excited at watching the rapid growth of our company.
Health E-Insights: Can the pending legislation impact your company?
Dr. Gilad: Not only does it not impact our company, but the new FDA Draft Guidance further clarifies why our ingredient, G-agmatine, and the supplement, Neurofencine, in the formulation, do not require NDI notification. This is basically for two reasons, which are defined by the DSHEA law. First, G-agmatine is a direct amino acid metabolite and as such it is defined by the law as a dietary ingredient. And second, G-agmatine being an NDI in the dietary supplement has been present in the food supply as an article used for food in a form in which the food has not been chemically altered and thus, does not require a NDI notification. The draft further gives a specific example attesting exactly to this issue.
Health E-Insights: What are your plans for growth?
Dr. Gilad: As a young company, we are yet to achieve the exponential phase of growth. The potential is huge, but we still have a way to go for spreading the gospel to the millions who would benefit from our products and to their healthcare providers. It's no secret that the regulatory laws of the industry impose a great challenge to promotion efforts. In this regard, we are of course always on the look for third party endorsements. And we continue to take advantage of our ability as scientists to publish in professional scientific journals, and to exhibit in relevant medical society meetings. Importantly, we are looking to collaborate with more regional, national and international distributors. In fact, we recently started exporting Neurofencine to Singapore, which will open the door to the large market of Southeast Asia. Also on the agenda are activities aiming to add new marketing targets. Thus, we initiated two clinical trials for new health indications. Additionally, we recently began marketing and sales to the veterinary market, primarily dogs and horses. No shortage of plans there.
Health E-Insights: Has there been an influential person in your career?
Dr. Gilad: Varda Gilad has been and still is the most influential person in my career. Being my life-long partner in family, scientific and business careers, I am greatly influenced by her ongoing criticism, advice and support, and admire her wisdom in defining reality and developing action plans.
Health E-Insights: How do you evaluate success?
Dr. Gilad: Some say, and I agree, that you evaluate success by your ability to give from your own abundance. In other words, achieving abundance is not a measure of success, but sharing it is. I try to act this way.
Sheldon Baker wants to interview you. For more information contact Sheldon at sbaker@bakerdillon.com. And visit his website at www.bakerdillon.com and blog at www.NutraInk.com.
