Mammastatin Research Institute

The Mammastatin Research Institute was a biotechnology company focused on the development of Mammastatin, a naturally occurring 47-kDa glycoprotein that acts as a specific inhibitor of mammary cell growth. Discovered by Dr. Paul Ervin, the protein was found to be produced by normal mammary epithelial cells but absent in most breast cancer cells, suggesting its potential as both a therapeutic agent and a diagnostic biomarker. The institute's work centered on producing recombinant Mammastatin for clinical use and developing assays to screen women for breast cancer risk based on Mammastatin levels. The company's assets and intellectual property were eventually acquired to further the clinical development of these breast cancer treatments.