Cardiovascular
program:
Vascular diseases that result in stroke or myocardial infarcts (MI) are one
of the most prevalent diseases. An estimated 58 million people in the US and
100 million people worldwide suffer from one or more forms of cardiovascular
diseases. These diseases are responsible for 14 million deaths worldwide each
year, and may account for about 20% of all deaths. This is the largest pharmaceutical
market.
Aspirin is frequently used in the prevention of stroke or MI. However, even at low doses, Aspirin is GI toxic. A single pill of Aspirin induces gastric bleeding. While most users have no resultant clinical GI symptoms, a significant percentage of the population (2-3%) may present with ulcers and bleeding. The frequency of Aspirin-induced GI toxicity is markedly increased by 2-6 fold when combined with other NSAIDs, anti-depressant agents and other anti-platelet drugs.
An Aspirin formulation that has reduced GI toxicity is clearly needed.
Aspirin-PC:
Aspirin-PC is a molecular complex of aspirin and phosphatidylcholine.
This product is being developed for the OTC market. Pre-clinical data and
clinical data has demonstrated that a PC formulation can dramatically reduced
Aspirin-induced GI toxicity.
