Using a mouse model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in an animal study, glucosamine dramatically delayed the onset of symptoms and improved the animal's ability to move and walk.

In a scientific article, published in the acknowledged Journal of Immunology the researchers investigated the therapeutic effect of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS.  It was demonstrated that oral or intravenous administration of glucosamine significantly reduced acute EAE, with reduced inflammation of the Central Nervous System (CNS).

More than 2 million people worldwide suffer from MS.  Existing MS drugs are given by injections, have unfavourable safety profiles and have a exorbitant yearly treatment costs.  Should oral glucosamine prove to be effective also in humans, either alone or in combination with other disease-modifying immunotherapies, it could mean a step forward in the management of MS.

"This study indicates a very interesting potential for a new application of glucosamine", says Øyvind Brekke, CEO of Navamedic.  "Although clinical trials on humans are required before it can be concluded on clinical effectiveness in MS, these findings suggest the future may bring additional indications for our products."


About Navamedic ASA:

Navamedic is a Norwegian speciality pharmaceutical company focusing on the development and production of glucosamine HCl based medicines.  Glucosamine is a generic active ingredient against osteoarthritis with a favourable safety profile.  Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease which affects a large and growing share of the world's population.  Navamedic aims to become a leading company in the glucosamine industry by capitalizing on its proprietary production technology.  The company's products are sold through a network of strong sales, marketing and distribution partners in each country.

Navamedic product Glucomed® was approved as a medicine against osteoarthritis by the Swedish Medical Products agency in August 2005.