SYDNEY: Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:PAR), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focussed on repurposing existing molecules for new indications with unmet clinical needs, has entered into a corporate partnership with NFL Alumni Health (NFLAH).
This partnership will inform NFL Alumni Association (NFLAA) members about osteoarthritis disease onset and progression, current treatment options, and provide information about actively enrolling clinical trials throughout the U.S.
The NFLAA has over 10,000 members and represents former NFL players, coaches, executives, spouses, cheerleaders, and associate members through its 40 chapters across the U.S. NFL Alumni Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of NFLAA offering informational resources, programs, services, and other benefits to NFLAA members and the general public. This division of the NFLAA appraises corporate partners that may provide beneficial research opportunities in health areas relevant to their members.
NFL Alumni Health oversee the vetting process to ensure they bring credible and meaningful health sector-related partnerships to their membership. Paradigm’s designation as NFLAH’s newest corporate and research partner demonstrates its leading role in developing a safe and effective potential treatment for those suffering with OA.
Kyle Richardson, NFL Alumni Association Co-Director of Healthcare Initiatives, commented on the partnership: “The NFL Alumni Health division of the NFL Alumni Association are driven to provide initiatives that help its members learn more about and gain access to safe and effective treatments through clinical trials and other FDA-approved treatment options. In males under the age of 60, arthritis is over three times more prevalent in retired NFL players than in the general U.S. population.
We are pleased to hear the positive experience several of our alumni members have had through working with Paradigm and we hope this partnership will inform a larger number of alumni on the disease of osteoarthritis and the available clinical trials that are currently enrolling participants”.
Paradigm previously submitted an IND application for an expanded access program protocol to treat 10 patients for osteoarthritis-associated knee pain with Zilosul®. The US FDA provided clearance for this program to proceed in September 2019. On 30th July 2020, Paradigm released the results of this EAP demonstrating that at week 12, the 10 participants treated with Zilosul® achieved an average WOMAC® pain reduction of 65%. Zilosul® was well tolerated in this program.
Paradigm remained in close contact with the EAP physician and participants, leading to an introduction to NFL Alumni Health. The NFL endorsed this partnership following a review of Paradigm’s clinical program results as well as the ongoing global registration clinical trial. Paradigm’s introduction from such an enthusiastic group within their own membership made Paradigm an ideal partnering candidate to present to their constituency.
Paradigm CEO, Marco Polizzi commented, “Having followed the progress of the expanded access program participants and hearing first-hand the positive impact Zilosul® has had on their lives. Paradigm is honoured to be able to continue to work with NFL Alumni members to inform them of the onset and progression of osteoarthritis and Paradigm’s clinical progress through phase 3 as we strive to bring Zilosul® to commercialisation for the millions suffering from the debilitating effects of OA”.