BSP Pharma, a joint venture between Aarhus Oliefabrik and pharmaceutical company Astion, has reported strong results in pre-clinical trials on its shea nut oil-based treatments.
The joint venture between the food and pharmaceutical companies was created in October last year to implement the final phase in the development of two products made from an extract of shea nut-oil for treating rheumatic diseases and eczema.
BSP Pharma said in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies showed convincing results. The toxicology programme was concluded with a clean endorsement.
The company is now working with an international regulation company to communicate with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning the registration of the products. The application for registration of the dietary supplement with an anti-inflammatory effect, BSP 201, is to be submitted shortly.
The next stage, the clinical proof-of-concept studies, will be initiated soon and the studies are expected to end during the first half of 2003, said BSP Pharma.
Further clinical safety studies will have to be undertaken on the eczema product BSP 102, expected to take another three months.
The company is aiming to reach the third stage - the commercialisation of the products - during the second half of 2003. An ongoing, initial dialogue with potential commercial partners is already taking place.
Based on the current situation, Aarhus Oliefabrik still expects to derive earnings in the region of DKK 50-100 million per annum after 2003, provided the development programme is successfully concluded.