BiolActis files patent on ‘major new discovery’ to fight obesity

The firm’s bioactive ingredients, called Malleable Protein Matrix (MPM), are able to modulate specific nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), and a biological pathway associated to obesity.

Glucose metabolism​

Jean-Francois Lapointe, Technologie Biolactis director of clinical affairs, told NutraIngredientsUSA.com: “By improving the lipids and glucose metabolism, BiolActis’ products will help the management of a cohort of common overweight-related disorders and co-morbidities. ​In addition to its impact on PPAR modulation and the obesity-related pathway, BiolActis’ products help reduce the systemic inflammation occurring in obesity and in overweight therefore helping the management of lipid storage and their usage as energy​.’

Biological processes modulated by PPARs include plasma lipid transport and fatty acid catabolism, regulation of insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels, inflammatory response, weight control and body composition.

Obesity is a chronic disorder of energy imbalance characterized by a long term excess of energy intake compared with limited energy expenditure, leading to storage of the excess energy in the form of adipose tissue. The condition contributes to many dangerous conditions including type-2 diabetes, cardio-metabolic diseases, hepatic disorders, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, premature aging, and some forms of cancer.

Worldwide, more than 1bn adults are estimated to be overweight and at least 300m are thought to be clinically obese.

Therapeutic effectiveness​

Dr Pierre Lemieux, the company’s president and chief executive officer, said: ‘The lack of therapeutic effectiveness, coupled with the spiralling obesity epidemic, positions the treatment of obesity as one of the largest and most urgent unmet health condition. There is, therefore, a real and continuing need for the development of improved alternatives that helps or prevents obesity-related disorders with a natural approach​."

The company is discussing licensing applications with a range of international companies. “We think that it’s possible to see new product in the market in the beginning of 2011 either through our own retail commercialization or in partnership with major companies to ensure the international market roll-out,”​ said Lemieux.

Based in Québec, Biolactis specializes in the development of lactoceuticals focused on cardiovascular, metabolic and obesity-associated disorders.