KEEGO HARBOR, MI--(Marketwired - Feb 3, 2014) - Health Enhancement Products, Inc. (
Dr. Kuroki is a member of a group of researchers at the Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory, University of Missouri, led by professor James Cook, DVM, PhD, credited with developing an in vitro co-culture model of canine osteoarthritis nearly a decade ago. This well-regarded and proven model mimics the histological, biochemical, and molecular features of osteoarthritis in a laboratory setting.
Osteoarthritis, characterized by the progressive degradation of joint cartilage, affects roughly one out of every five dogs, causing stiffness, inflammation, and joint pain, thus hindering quality of life. The initial results of the University of Missouri study indicate that naturally-produced HEPI compounds help prevent the loss of glycosaminoglycan, one of the major structural components of cartilage and a good indicator of cartilage health.
"This model, emblematically 'osteoarthritis in a test tube,' is ideal for examining the effectiveness of potential treatment options, including dietary supplements, to support joint health and protect cartilage throughout an animal," said Amy Steffek, PhD, HEPI Director of Research & Development. HEPI looks forward to continuing their research with Dr. Kuroki and the Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory, University of Missouri to provide a natural alternative that may help improve joint health in dogs and promote a more active lifestyle.
About Health Enhancement Products, Inc.
Health Enhancement Products, Inc. is a health and wellness company engaged in the development of algae-derived, natural products for use as dietary supplements and food ingredients. The company has developed a portfolio of natural, bioactive compounds wholly owned by Health Enhancement Products and protected by patents, patents pending, and trade secrets, which are licensed to manufacturers. These natural products are extracted from living algae grown in purified water.
About the University of Missouri Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory
The mission of the Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory at the University of Missouri is to design and conduct the highest quality hypothesis-driven research focused on orthopaedic disorders of diarthrodial joints; to implement a comparative approach to investigation of joint disease in order to most efficiently and comprehensively address identified problems; and to apply basic science research to the clinical situation in order to span the gap that often limits the usefulness of scientific discoveries. The laboratory is made possible through collaboration among the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, and the MU School of Medicine.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for any historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including the timing of completion of a trial, actual future clinical trial results being different than the results the company has obtained to date, and the company's ability to secure funding. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.