In his later life, the Nobel laureate biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi extensively studied various extracts of the wheat plant for their anticarcinogenic effects. Using the theory of Szent-Györgyi, by means of wheat germ (Triticum vulgaris) fermentation with Sacharomyces cervisiae, a Hungarian chemist, Máté Hidvégi invented a standardized fermented wheat germ extract containing 2,6-DMBQ in 0,4 mg/g (on dry matter basis) concentration.

In the late 1990’s reports were published about a biotech process by which a fermented wheat germ extract could be produced. The product called Avemar™, available as a water soluble granulate for oral consumption, has gained much attention from cancer researchers of several countries like Israel, Hungary, the United States, United Kingdom, Italy or Russia. The reason why this extract has got so much dedication from researchers was probably the fact that it has been produced from one of the most common food sources of mankind, and it has shown a good synergism with some anticancer drugs used in standard clinical protocols.

Since its invention, a series of in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials have been carried out to determine whether Avemar could help cancer patients struggling with both the effects of their disease and the side effects of standard anticancer therapy (SAT).

Subsequently, evidence of the efficacy of the fermented wheat germ extract in some autoimmune diseases has also been found. At this time, sufficient study of this compound has been done and enough data have emerged that some useful and valid conclusions can be made regarding the value of Avemar™ as a supportive tool in therapy.

Since 1996, over 100 studies done on Avemar™ have impressed oncologists and cancer researchers. Studies have shown that when Avemar™ is used as an adjunct treatment, it enhances the effects of the standard treatment agents. Avemar™ has proven effective against all cancer cell lines tested, including breast cancer, prostate, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. It has been shown to have both cancer-preventive and anti-metastatic properties in animal studies and has demonstrated highly significant therapeutic effects in controlled human trials against primary colorectal cancer, Stage III melanoma, and Stages III and IV oral cancer.