KEEGO HARBOR, MI--(Marketwired - May 05, 2014) - Health Enhancement Products, Inc. (OTCQB: HEPI), a Michigan-based biotech firm investigating bioactive compounds extracted from algal cultures, is pleased to announce preliminary research results for efficacy in supporting canine joint health. The research was conducted at Covance Inc., based in Princeton, New Jersey. Covance is one of the world’s largest contract research organizations and a significant contributor to advances in animal therapeutics. Joint health issues are predicted to affect nearly 1 in 5 dogs, and the canine joint health supplement market generates roughly $300 million in annual sales in the US alone.
The research study, a canine whole-blood assay, involves experimentally inducing a state of inflammation in a process that mimics the conditions observed in dogs with osteoarthritis, in order to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of HEPI’s compounds. Canine osteoarthritis is a complex disease caused by the degradation of cartilage tissue. The assay measured Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a biological mediator of inflammation and target for inhibiting aggressive or prolonged immune responses.
The initial results of the study indicate that naturally-produced HEPI compounds significantly reduce the stimulated release of PGE2 in canine whole blood -- in other words, the HEPI compounds were shown to reduce the release of a substance that contributes to pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis. These results support prior HEPI research, which demonstrated significant reduction of acute inflammation in a similar animal model.
These clinically significant results are compelling evidence for the anti-inflammatory effects of HEPI’s compounds, and are another step in establishing the safety and efficacy of supplements for the dog joint health market.
Further research with Covance to repeat these findings in a larger group and to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of HEPI compounds will be underway shortly. In the interim, these results and others are being shared with potential development partners.
“Each step in the process makes a case for the efficacy and safety of the product,” states R&D director Dr. Amy Steffek. “Each step also adds value to the product concept.”
The Company has also commenced a follow-on study with the University of Missouri to further substantiate the positive effects of its bioactive compounds in supporting canine joint health.
About Health Enhancement Products, Inc.
Health Enhancement Products, Inc. (OTCQB: HEPI) is a Michigan-based biotech company engaged in the investigation of the health benefits of bioactive compounds derived from its proprietary algal cultures, and the development of natural bioactive compounds for use as dietary supplements and food ingredients, as well as biologics and synthetic candidates for medicinal and pharmaceutical applications in humans and animals, specifically focused on autoimmune modulation.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for any historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including the timing of completion of a trial, actual future clinical trial results being different than the results the company has obtained to date, and the company’s ability to secure funding. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.
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