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Why Ampika?

Ampika was founded in July 2003 as a spin out company from the University of Cambridge. Its intellectual property is based on 25 years of fieldwork on the traditional healthcare of the indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon region. Fieldwork by Dr Françoise Freedman has resulted in a unique database of knowledge relating to the use of medicinal plants. This knowledge forms the core of the AmpikaPhytobase™ containing taxonomic and agronomic data on 500 plants, and detailed information on their preparation and use for healthcare. Such detailed information has never before been generated for medicinal plants in Peru, and it opens up major opportunities to address significant healthcare market needs in the dietary supplement, functional food and pharmaceutical markets. Experts state that over 50% of prescription drugs are derived from chemicals first identified in plants.

Ampika seeks business partners interested in product development from its unique range of Amazonian active plant extracts for incorporation into new product lines of nutraceuticals, either marketed as over the counter botanicals or plant-derived prescription drugs backed by clinical trials. The medicinal properties of the plants included in the Ampika Phytobase are supported by their long history of use by Peruvian traditional healers and the wealth of information imparted by these healers directly to Dr Freedman. Ampika can facilitate the supply of high quality plant extracts to meet commercial requirements through its extensive contacts in the academic, industrial, and commercial sectors in Peru.

Ampika Development Strategy

Unlike other organizations, Ampika not only has the trust and support of the local people together with the active backing of the University of Cambridge, but also has full data on the plants, soils, microclimates and propagation methods.

Building on this rich database, and local knowledge and experience, compounds can now be identified and prepared in the upper Amazon alongside modern bio-technology and plant science research skills. Soon Ampika will develop value-added supplies of compounds ready for assay and add local bio-informatics resources enabling combinatorial biology.

Efficient local cultivation of plants known to be effective and safe, and the development of high qualitiy testing and production facilities, ensures a continuing source of jobs, revenue and education in the region.

The attitude of the local experts on plants and preparations is supportive to the Ampika enterprise, even though they may have seen many businesses interested only in short-term enterprises. Ampika's presence in the area goes back over 25 years, and extends to close working relationships with the academic, industrial and commercial sectors in Peru.