Important Step Forward in Osteoarthritis Research: Bioactive Collagen Peptides Stimulate the Regeneration of Cartilage Tissue

Working in collaboration with Kiel University, researchers at the Kiel- based Collagen Research Institute (CRI) have demonstrated the stimulating effect of special bioactive collagen peptides (FORTIGEL(R)) in the context of cell experiments. Last weekend the CRI presented its research findings at the congress of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) in Montreal. The investigations of the CRI provide an explanation for the findings of a joint clinical trial carried out by Harvard Medical School and Tufts Medical Center - likewise presented at the congress. With the aid of special imaging (MRI) techniques this clinical trial demonstrated that FORTIGEL(R) stimulated cell metabolism in the knee-joint cartilage and promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.

In cooperation with Kiel University the CRI researchers applied molecular-biology and protein-chemistry analysis methods directly to the cells in order to demonstrate the stimulating effect of FORTIGEL(R).

Cell experiment underpins the Harvard/Tufts clinical study The cell-based experiments of the CRI confirm the findings of a clinical trial conducted by the Harvard Medical School and the Tufts Medical Center.

The double-blinded, placebo-controlled Harvard/Tufts trial involved 30 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee and revealed a significant regeneration of the cartilage tissue in the FORTIGEL(R) group. In the placebo group cartilage degeneration progressed as before.

To analyze the structural changes in the cartilage tissue the Harvard/Tufts researchers deployed a special imaging technique (dGEMRIC). Following the injection of a special dye into the patient's knee joint it is

Treatment of osteoarthritis

"The targeted manipulation of the cartilage metabolism opens up new possibilities for the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis," emphasizes Dr. Oesser. Unlike analgesic and antirheumatic drugs, which merely alleviate the symptoms and effects, FORTIGEL(R) now offers the potential for an alimentary, causal therapy.

Worldwide approximately 135 million people suffer from osteoarthritis. Experts predict a rapid rise in this figure - above all in the industrialized nations. The prevention of arthritic diseases enjoys top priority, due not

Based in Kiel/Germany, the Collagen Research Institute (CRI) was established in 2003 as an independent research organization. The institute's activities centre on degenerative changes to the connective tissue and the development of complementary and alternative therapies in the area of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and wound healing. Since its establishment CRI has devoted special attention to investigating the effects of collagen peptides on the extracellular matrix of the articular cartilage.

Collagen Research Institute

Dr. Steffen Oesser

Tel. +49-(0)431-56-06-610

Fax +49-(0)431-56-06-613

[email protected]

SOURCE: Collagen Research Institute

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