Bone-targeted and osteogenic small-molecule lipid shows potential for osteoarthritis

Written by Alexandra Thompson

MAX BioPharma’s (CA, USA) proprietary small-molecule oxysterols shown to target and encourage bone growth and repair

MAX BioPharma, Inc. (CA, USA), a biotechnology firm investigating specific lipid molecules for unmet medical needs, has announced that their proprietary bone-targeting small-molecule oxysterols are showing potential as a regenerative medicine for osteoarthritis owing to their successful demonstration of strong tissue selectivity and osteogenic activity. With further therapeutic development these molecules could potentially be used as bone-anabolic agents that specifically target skeletal stem cells.

MAX BioPharma was provided with two NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grants to conduct research into possible therapeutics for osteoporosis, and should receive two Phase II grants to help support further development of its osteoporosis program.

Owing to its potential as a regenerative pharmacological for osteoarthrisis, MAX BioPharma recently licensed an intellectual property portfolio from the University of Louisville that protects a proprietary bone-delivery technology based on novel tetracycline analogs that complements MAX BioPharma’s core Oxysterol Therapeuticsâ„¢ technology. Allen Morris, Director of The University of Louisville’s Technology Transfer Office, commented: “We are pleased to have partnered with MAX BioPharma through our technology licensing agreement and we are hopeful that the University of Louisville’s bone-targeting innovation will assist the company in executing its strategic plan for commercialization and in bringing promising therapeutics to patients.”

It’s interesting to see increasing research into non-cell regenerative therapies, such as RegeneRx’s research demonstrating that TB4 treatment in an in vitro model induces myelin basic protein synthesis and oligodendrogenes, to help protect and repair the brain after stroke. Is this an avenue of regenerative medicine that is going to take off.

Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/max-biopharma-announces-key-updates-on-its-oxysterol-therapeutics-development-program-intellectual-property-portfolio-and-funding-initiatives-300161625.html?elq=7a443fea676f43c5a86fa078f4121f9d&elqCampaignId=4&elqaid=13911&elqat=1&elqTrackId=ecf5a9f10e2e4e14a84a957fa1c57a08