A trial study for a potential drug to combat obesity in pets has shown a weight loss of nearly three per cent per week in dogs according to Perth-based biotechnology company Stirling Products Limited (ASX: STI) and CEO Dr. Calvin London.
(PRWEB) May 4, 2007 -- A trial study for a potential drug to combat obesity in pets has shown a weight loss of nearly three per cent per week in dogs.
Perth-based biotechnology company Stirling Products Limited (ASX: STI) completed the trial in the United States.
"Phase one established an initial dose range that was considered safe to administer to dogs without any clinical side-effects and the second phase tested both high and low dose options in reducing the weight of overweight dogs," said CEO and Managing Director, Dr. Calvin London.
The drug being tested, R-salbutamol, is derived from a common active ingredient used to treat asthma in humans.
"We have demonstrated that low doses of R-salbutamol given orally produced no visible clinically-significant effects except for some flushing of the ears and gums associated with increased metabolic activity," said Dr. London.
Approximately 35 per cent or 48 million dogs and cats in the United Sates are considered to be overweight or obese with surveys in Europe and Australia reflecting a similar trend.
"While it is early days, these results are extremely encouraging and we know we can enhance the effectiveness of R-salbutamol even further with revised formulations in studies," said Dr. London.
The market for anti-obesity drugs for companion animals is estimated to be worth in excess US$200 million in the US alone.
"Our next study will look at a cyclical dose regime with repeated resting periods of no medication to determine the best way to administer the drug for maximum response rates," said Dr. London.
About the trial: The trial was conducted at a well-regarded United States facility that specialises in Research and Development in dog nutrition and dog diets. A population of 15 beagle dogs (5 males and 10 females) were used in the study. Dogs were between one and 6.5 years of age and were all considered to be overweight for the breed. All animals were fed a commercial dry food diet and had water available at all time during the study. Trials were conducted with three groups of dogs -- controls that received a placebo medication, and two groups of dogs that either received a single daily dose or a dose of R-salbutamol in the morning and in the evening. All aspects of the trial and the condition of the dogs were supervised by qualified veterinarians.
About Stirling Products: Stirling Products is commercialising a number of patented applications in the area of animal health. The treatment of dog obesity is one of three areas of development in addition to growth promoters that increase meat production while decreasing fat accumulation and several treatments for respiratory problems of horses through a joint venture Pulmovet ApS in Europe.
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