Paradigm Biopharma tests show reverse knee degradation in osteoarthritis patients

• Paradigm Biopharma (ASX:PAR) reports it has proven it can reverse the degradation of cartilage in patients with osteoarthritis
• The company is using injectable pentosan polysulfate sodium (iPPS) delivered twice weekly over six weeks
• Patients receiving the treatment saw knee cartilage thickness increase as well as pain improve over placebo
• The company’s medical thesis has before been supported in a 2010 study
• Shares are up 13.5 per cent, trading at 71.5 cents at 10:43 am AEDT

Paradigm Biopharma (ASX:PAR), which is investigating the use of injectable pentosan polysulfate sodium (iPPS) in osteoarthritis, reported that patients have experienced knee cartilage regrowth.

The increase in cartilage thickness was detected after six months of dosing, compared to a placebo control group.

Thickness was determined by MRI, and iPPS appears to reduce the rate of loss in knee cartilage, which is estimated to be around 0.04mm of loss each year in osteoarthritis patients.

Recipients took a six-week, twice-weekly course of iPPS injected under the skin. Bone marrow lesions were also reduced compared to the placebo group.

The company announced the results highlight a “blockbuster” opportunity.

“There is a high unmet need for a new OA therapy to slow OA progression in tandem with improvement of pain reduction and functional improvement,” PAR Managing Director Paul Rennie said.

“What I find most compelling is that all participants entered the clinical study with active structural degeneration already occurring and yet iPPS has been able to reverse disease progression.”

Mr Rennie noted the company intends to present this latest data to the FDA.

The company has been seeking to replicate results recorded in a 2010 study, suggesting that the treatment is a superior treatment pathway.

Earlier this month, the company reported its patients noted less pain after receiving iPPS compared to other major pain relief treatments.

Paradigm continues to work on an application process with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is Australia’s equivalent of the FDA.

Ultimately, Paradigm is targeting marketing approval for domestic sales.

PAR shares were up 13.5 per cent, trading at 71.5 cents at 10:43 am AEDT.