ECPF-1

Osteoarthritis occurs in 20% of humans and dogs usually because of a previous injury. This form of osteoarthritis is known as post traumatic osteoarthritis. The current treatment for OA is pain management. But long-term use of these methods causes dangerous side-effects.

ProteaPex Therapeutics is developing an innovative disease modifying therapeutic technology to treat osteoarthritis. Extracellular Matrix Protection Factor (ECPF) is a novel, safe and effective intra-joint injection that reduces the pain and damage caused by osteoarthritis. ECPF-1, our lead molecule, has shown promising results in an animal model of post traumatic osteoarthritis:

1. No cellular toxicity was noted
2. Tissue destruction was diminished
3. Animal mobility was increased
4. Overall joint health was improved

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can occur as a result of:

• A joint infection
• Dislocation
• Trauma
• An inherited condition, such as hip dysplasia
• Immune system problems
• Obesity
• Ligament, tendon or muscle injury
• Fracture of bone that involves a joint
• Aging and natural erosion of cartilage

Development of a Dietary Supplement that targets the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis

There are currently no adjunct dietary treatments available that retard the gradual destruction of cartilage associated with osteoarthritis.

Utilizing a proprietary, bioinformatics-led design, we have virtually screened a food molecule library and identified food supplements that will target molecules responsible for the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The dietary supplement will include dosages of the food molecules that support the therapeutic objective: reduce the pain, inflammation, and joint degradation associated with progressive osteoarthritis. Because the candidates are food molecules from the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) generally recognized as safe, GRAS list, they should pose minimal risk with maximal therapeutic benefits.

Our proprietary approach is unique because we target multiple pathological pathways simultaneously using food-derived molecules with the goal to develop a dietary supplement that satisfies this unmet need.

1. Food safety candidate 001 inhibits Cox-2 in the pain pathway
2. Food safety candidate 001 is even more effective than current market standard of care, Celebrex
3. Food safety candidate 002 inhibits MMP-13, an enzyme that degrades cartilage.

How Is Canine Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

A veterinarian may conduct a physical exam, take radiographs and perform other diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of your dog’s pain. He or she will also check your dog’s medical history for previous injuries and consider possible inherited conditions.

How Can Canine Arthritis Be Treated?

Once symptoms of arthritis set in, there is no cure. It’s important for you to work with your veterinarian to create a program to minimize your dog’s pain while keeping him healthy. Some general treatment options may include:

• The use of antibiotics, painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications
• The use of nutritional supplements to help replenish cartilage
• Healthy diet and regular, low-impact exercise
• Weight loss, if required

*** Please do not give your dog human medication without first checking with your vet.

Surveys of pet owners show that they are looking for effective treatments for their companions. Indeed, pet owners have shown an increased interest in animal acupuncture to help their pets with the pain and stiffness of OA.