Caleco Pharma Corp., focused on the research and development of over-the-counter and prescription biopharmaceutical and consumer health products, has announced developments regarding its products targeting the global hepatitis C prescription market and the liver health maintenance market via a nutritional supplement formulation.
Caleco identifies and develops products derived from natural sources, including plant extracts, functional oils, and probiotics. In particular, the company is targeting the $4 billion global hepatitis C prescription market, a market expected to double in size over the next seven years, reaching $8.5 billion by 2016. There are currently over 200 million people infected with chronic hepatitis C, with less than 5% being treated with prescription medications.
The global hepatitis C market is poorly served. Current treatment options are only moderately effective and face low tolerability. Adverse effects of treatment can include blood and autoimmune disorders, and even pregnancy and mental health problems. Patients using the standard interferon combination therapy soon develop resistance against these drugs and must wait for new therapies to enter the market. As a result, there is a huge untapped potential waiting for novel molecules that offer safer and more effective treatment.
Caleco’s CEO, John Boschert, said, “International pharmaceutical research firm, GlobalData, has issued their current research report on the hepatitis C marketplace, which seems to confirm that (Caleco) is strategically positioned to pursue the development of its proprietary, patent applied formulations. Our plan is to continue pre-clinical work with compounds CPC.12115HP201 and CPC.12115HP202 in 2010, which will involve focusing on developing and testing semi-synthetic derivatives (of CPC.12115HP201) in preparation for entering phase 1 clinical trials in 2011 as well as further compound isolation work on a second isolate of the parent mixture (CPC.12115HP202). With the anti-viral activity profiles having been demonstrated in two bioassay systems, and considering the observed clinical effects of the parent herbal formulation, (Caleco) believes continued preclinical development work is warranted.”
Caleco is actively engaged in development projects to bring the parent mixture (Liver Health Formulation) to worldwide markets as a food supplement for the promotion of liver health, following additional clinical trials expected to start later this year. In addition, derivatives of the parent herbal formulation’s primary active ingredient, Lamiridosin, are being considered for oral supplement development targeted at immune system enhancement, and as dermatologic products for use in common chronic skin conditions.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.CalecoPharmaCorp.com.
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