Promising programs

A substantial amount of pharmacological and clinical data accumulated over the past 30 years indicates a wide spectrum of biological benefits from the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docoshexaenoic acid (DHA). These benefits include regulation of:

• Plasma lipid levels
• Cardiovascular functions
• Immune functions
• Insulin action
• Neural development
• Visual functions
• Cognitive functions

The reason for these wide-ranging effects is that the natural PUFAs regulate a variety of biochemical pathways.

Research programs at Pronova BioPharma aim to develop new lipid compounds with more specific biological effects than the natural PUFAs. The main focus is to develop a new API for treatment of diseases in the therapeutic areas of cardiovascular/metabolic and chronic inflammation.

Competitive edge

Over the past 15 to 20 years, research has shown that omega-3 PUFAs regulate gene expression. The beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFAs on lipid and glucose metabolism are probably a result of this gene regulation. In this respect, nuclear receptors such as PPARs are possible targets for some of Pronova BioPharma's new products in the cardiovascular and metabolic area. PPARs have been the focus of intense academic and pharmaceutical research since their discovery in the early 1990s.

Results from our early discovery programs indicate that the new lipid derivatives have the potential to compete in this market. Pronova BioPharma is also investigating other targets for new lipid-based drugs in the prioritised disease areas. All our research and development projects are protected by a broad portfolio of filed and pending patents.