NZ Bone-Growth Breakthrough

Friday, February 17th 2006

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New Zealand researchers have discovered remarkable bone building properties in the milk protein lactoferrin, which could lead to new treatment for osteoporosis.

Auckland's Osteoporosis Research Group has found that the milk protein, already produced commercially by Fonterra and the Tatua dairy company, not only inhibits bone breakdown but also boosts bone growth four times faster than normal when injected directly into bone cells.

Research leader Dr Jill Cornish unveiled the findings at the World Dairy Summit in Melbourne yesterday.

The injection of lactoferrin had resulted in such "phenomenal bone growth" that it could be applied directly to fractures to promote faster healing, Cornish said.

The research is part of the LactoPharma project - a joint venture between Fonterra and Auckland UniServices - set up to discover and commercialise new bioactive components in milk and colostrums.

LactoPharma also has funding from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology.

There was still lots of work to be done, Cornish said. But there was every reason to hope that these findings could result in new drugs and nutraceuticals for the prevention and cure of osteoporosis.

The dairy industry has touted the wider benefits of lactoferrin for about a decade.

"It's a goody molecule," Cornish said. "It is good for the immune system. It's anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. When white blood cells respond to infection, they spurt out lactoferrin naturally."

LactoPharma has already filed patent applications for lactoferrin as a bone-growth promoter.

It also plans to patent two new receptors that the team has uncovered on bone-forming cells.

Receptors and molecules like lactoferrin have a lock and key relationship, which together could activate the process that makes new bone, Cornish said.

Once LactoPharma has established the patents and put together a portfolio of intellectual property it will be in a position to commercially license the technology.

Fonterra will be well-positioned to develop it further but is likely to be most interested in developing lactoferrin as a nutraceuticals to be consumed in dairy drinks and foods as a preventative to osteoporosis.

An experienced pharmaceutical industry partner would probably be needed to take the new treatment through the long and expensive US Food Drug Administration (FDA) registration process.

Osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million people worldwide, and cost New Zealand about $200 million in health care and related costs.

So far there is only one osteoporosis drug on the market that can enhance the process of bone formation, Cornish said.

What made lactoferrin so special was what it offered "a double whammy" by inhibiting the formation of cells that break down bone, and stimulating the bones that form cells, she said.

The first phase of FDA trials - which determine any toxic effects of a new drug - shouldn't present a major problem because lactoferrin is a naturally occurring protein in both humans and cows, Cornish said.

Source New Zealand Herald, 25 September 2004

Footnote from Ideal Health

The following products are all useful for Healthy Bones:

50+ Protein, Fibre, Joints & Bones - Choc
Boron
Calcium - Magnesium
Ethi Cal Bone Builder Vit D Powder
Just Whey Protein Chocolate
Just Whey Protein Vanilla
Lactoferrin
Mineral Power
JointMax Glucosamine
Super Calcium Complete
QSilica Calcium Capsules

Related health information can be found here:

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Calcium
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Mineral Power
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If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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