AGRASTIM® (Beta 1,3/1,6-D glucan) is an “immuno-modulator”. AGRASTIM® binds specifically to receptors on specialized cells (macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells) that constitute the innate immune system, the frontline of defense when animals or humans suffer from microbial attacks.

The Beta 1,3/1,6-D glucan receptors on these specialized cells are present in all animal groups from the simplest invertebrates to man. AGRASTIM® has therefore the same basic biological mode of action within the entire animal kingdom.

When the receptors are engaged by AGRASTIM®, the specialized cells are alerted and become prepared to meet eventual infections by enhanced engulfing and killing of micro-organisms.

The innate immune system’s cells that are activated by AGRASTIM® also produce signal molecules called cytokines that stimulate the formation of new cells and send messages to B- and T-cells, to enhance their capacity to mobilize defense against specific disease organisms.

Activation with AGRASTIM® results in enhanced overall resistance to all possible infectious agents (virus, bacteria, fungi, parasites). Due to its very basic mode of action, Beta 1,3/1,6-D glucan also affects many other biological processes, such as wound healing, degradation of dead body cells, killing of tumor cells, inflammation, repair of cells and tissues damaged by ultraviolet light.

When AGRASTIM® is fed to farmed animals, it results in:
· Reduced morbidity (fewer losses through premature death)
· Increased bacterial resistance
· Increased viral resistance
· Increased feed conversion (greater weight gain on less feed)
· Increased growth rate (reaching market weight in shorter growing time)
· Increased longevity (longer life for breeding stock)

AGRASTIM® also has been shown to improve the immune system’s conversion of vaccines through increased antibody response.

Poultry - AGRASTIM® has been shown to reduce mortality resulting from bacterial infections, improve weight gain and feed conversion, reduce condemnations, and shorten growing time, resulting in higher profits for the producer

Dairy Cattle - AGRASTIM® has been shown to reduce “somatic cell count”, the indicator of infection that results in decreased milk production.

Beef and pigs - AGRASTIM® increases the number and survivability of live births and increases feed conversion.

Fish and shellfish - AGRASTIM® increases disease resistance and feed conversion.

Horses - AGRASTIM® has been shown to improve stamina and increase vaccine conversion.

Because AGRASTIM® works through stimulation of the body’s own immune system, it helps promote the overall health of most animals while increasing disease resistance.

 -zties