Recruitment now open for bone bruising trial

Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals (ASX:PAR) is sponsoring an open-label clinical trial at the Sportsmed Biologic medical clinic in Box Hill, Melbourne. The trial seeks to investigate if the drug ZILOSUL can resolve bone marrow edema (BME) lesions arising from sporting or accidental injuries to the knee such as a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Unresolved BME, or bone bruising, is considered to be a potent risk factor for osteoarthritis following injury. As explained by Dr Ruben Branson, a leading sports physician and the head of Sportsmed Biologic, “People, especially athletes who have anterior cruciate ligament injuries, are more likely to develop osteoarthritis compared to people who haven’t had an ACL injury.”

Paradigm’s chief scientific officer, Dr Ravi Krishnan, said there are currently no registered pharmaceutical agents approved to treat BME lesions. However, the company’s formulation of pentosan polysulphate sodium (PSS) is anticipated to resolve this issue and potentially improve the long-term health of knee cartilage.

“We are excited to see if Paradigm’s proprietary formulation of PPS, ZILOSUL, when used shortly after the anterior cruciate ligament injury, can reduce pain and resolve the bone marrow lesion and hopefully protect the cartilage in the long term,” Dr Branson said.

Clinical trial subjects are now being recruited from people across the community, including sports people who have played at both the elite and amateur levels, for treatment at Sportsmed Biologic. Paradigm CEO Paul Rennie said the clinic is among Australia’s leading specialist sports medicine centres and the trials are being led by medical experts who understand the importance of treating bone marrow lesions.

For more information about the clinical trial, you can email Dr Branson or call 1300 858 860.

Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals (ASX:PAR) shares were trading unchanged at $0.28 as of around 3 pm on Tuesday.