Tying to University Research

The LSU AgCenter has had an established research relationship with TransGenRx (TGRx) since 2002. TGRx owns through an exclusive license and royalty agreement with the LSU AgCenter a number of patents and technical know-how. 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, it 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 10 institutions within the LSU System, operates 20 off-campus research stations in the same environments and conditions as the state’s agricultural enterprises. LSU AgCenter scientists conduct research projects at these stations and in 13 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. In the animal sciences the research has led to such scientific breakthroughs as transgenic goats (the first in the world), DNA vaccines to treat cancer, and production of proteins in chicken eggs.

In a recent 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 1989, the LSU AgCenter has been issued 80 patents, 29 plant variety protection (PVP) certificates, entered into more than 40 licensing agreements and has been involved in more than 10 start-up companies.