BodyGuard wearable patch product shows superiority to common NSAID treatments in restoring joint function

Perth skin science technology company OBJ Limited (ASX:OBJ) is set to revolutionise treatment of joint injuries and osteoarthritis after its BodyGuard wearable patch product proved its superiority to the world-leading non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) product Voltaren. The findings stem from a recent double blind clinical trial in the restoration of joint function in 114 people suffering from mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA).

The BodyGuard technology will see a range of wearable products, adhesive patches and applicator devices supporting healthy ageing and more active lifestyles for the benefit of those suffering from joint related injuries and degeneration.

BodyGuard uses OBJ’s proprietary technology to drive Lubricen, a proprietary formulation comprised of key nutritional and structural ingredients, directly into the joint cavity. The effectiveness was recently confirmed in the FDA compliant, double blind clinical trial across 114 males with a history of knee injury, conducted at the University of Queensland.

Most significantly, BodyGuard was able to reduce worst pain scores in patients suffering from mild to moderate knee OA by 32%, in stark contrast to Voltaren which scored just 17%. In addition, BodyGuard showed improved performance across all key physical tests undertaken by the trial participants.

Importantly, BodyGuard uses intrinsically safe, all natural amino sugars that have been used internationally by major pharmaceutical companies for many years, and delivers these into the joint to change the underlying cause of joint pain. Using its drug-free ingredients, joint lubrication and energy absorbing properties are restored to eliminate the breakdown processes of joint degeneration.

BodyGuard provides an opportunity for healthy ageing for the lifespan of a customer, something that can’t be achieved with NSAID’s, which are contraindicated after just 14 days.

By using a through-the-skin (transdermal) approach BodyGuard has been able to bypass first-pass metabolism that breaks down traditional orally ingested products.

This allows OBJ to deliver the key joint restoration molecules to the joint in their full “intact” form, rather than in a partially digested form as is the case for ingested ingredients.

As well as exceeding the NSAID on clinical outcomes, BodyGuard was also the preferred choice in a post usage consumer study covering ease-of-use, comfort, aesthetics and more.

OBJ Managing Director Jeff Edwards said:

BodyGuard has the potential to provide a safe, more effective and easy to use method of restoring and maintaining a physically active lifestyle, even for those already suffering from joint pain and osteoarthritis.  While the use of wearable technology for joint pain management may be new, the feedback from our recent trial highlights the appeal of this new approach to long-term joint health maintenance.

OBJ developed the Lubricen formulation for the BodyGuard range with the assistance of Professor Adrian Davis of the London School of Pharmacy.

Lubricen utilises key naturally occurring macro-molecules including glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate, which have until now been available in oral form only.

The other area of potential application for the BodyGuard technology lies in direct-to-injury treatments. The BodyGuard clinical study has clearly shown that there are significant biological benefits in delivering molecules in their intact form, and this is likely to also benefit vitamin, mineral and supplement (VMS) ingredients, as normal digestion processes can significantly dilute the benefits of such ingredients before they are able to reach their site of action. VMS micro-patches, using the BodyGuard direct-to-injury technology, could revolutionise the way we think about vitamins, minerals and supplements in the future.

Various potential distribution partners have already expressed interest in this new technology, with a number seeking the right to review the results of the University of Queensland clinical trial, including Procter & Gamble.