Tying to University Research

The LSU AgCenter has had an established research relationship with TransGenRx (TGRx) since 2002. TGRx is the holder of an exclusive patent and know-how license and royalty agreement with the LSU AgCenter for a number of technologies. One of the principals of TGRx, Dr. Richard Cooper, is a researcher and professor in the Department of Veterinary Science at the LSU AgCenter. Several other research staff in this department have joint appointments with TGRx.

The LSU AgCenter carries out the land-grant mission of research and extension for the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge on the LSU campus, the AgCenter provides educational services in every parish and plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing rural areas and the environment, and improving the quality of life for Louisiana.
 
The LSU AgCenter, one of 11 institutions within the LSU System, operates 20 off-campus research stations across the state in the same environments and conditions as the state’s agricultural enterprises. LSU AgCenter scientists conduct research projects at these stations and in 11 departments on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. 

Biotechnology has long been part of the research emphasis and has involved such topics as increasing desired traits in cotton, disease resistance in rice, weed and insect resistance in a variety of crops, and herbicide resistance in rice. Research in the animal sciences has led to such scientific breakthroughs as transgenic goats (the first in the world) that produce specialized proteins in their milk, DNA vaccines to treat cancer, and production of proteins in chicken eggs.

In an independent consultant’s report to the LSU Board of Supervisors, the LSU AgCenter was called “the crown jewel of the technology transfer offices” within the LSU System. Since the first patent in 1984, the LSU AgCenter has been issued 89 patents, 35 plant variety protection (PVP) certificates, entered into more than 40 licensing agreements and has been involved in nine start-up companies.

The LSU AgCenter serves as an engine for economic development in Louisiana and is one of the leading research and development institutions of higher education in the nation.