Lexington, KY - Patrick Lawless didn't plan to become an entrepreneur.
He was working as a research scientist with a local biopharmaceutical company focused on human drug development in 2006, when Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro's Triple Crown bid took its tragic turn.
"Barbaro's breakdown in the Preakness and subsequent life-ending battle with laminitis turned my attention to the animal health market," said Lawless, who founded his own nutraceutical company, Biological Prospects, in January 2007.
"(I) realized there was a major void in the animal health market for anti-inflammatory compounds that could be used on a consistent basis without devastating side effects on the gastrointestinal system," said Lawless, who earned his doctoral degree in biology from the University of Kentucky.
Lawless learned about research conducted by Harvard Medical School Professor David Sinclair on the use of resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes, blueberries and peanuts, as a treatment for humans.
In recent years, resveratrol's anti-inflammatory properties have gained it much attention as one of the heart-healthy benefits of drinking wine. Developed by Sinclair's company Sirtris Pharmaceuticals (since acquired by GlaxoSmith Kline), resveratrol has successfully completed Phase IIa clinical trials in humans as a treatment for Type II diabetes. Phase IIa clinical trials of the compound in patients with various types of cancer are ongoing.
Recognizing the compound's value for animals, Lawless "quickly seized upon the opportunity to introduce the first resveratrol-based products to the canine and equine markets," he said.
Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone ("bute"), flunixin meglumine (Banamine) and firocoxib (Equioxx) are classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID). These medications work by inhibits the COX-2 enzyme, which causes painful inflammation of a joint.
Resveratrol works differently. It inhibits a nuclear cofactor (NF-kappaB) that is involved in gene expression of inflammatory mediators. Cytokines, familiar to people with allergies, are the best known of these mediators. Other types are cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases.
NSAID stop inflammatory mediators after they have been produced by the body. Resveratrol reduces gene expression of the mediators, in effect acting in a preventive, rather than corrective, way.
UK's Gluck Equine Research Center recently completed clinical studies that document the anti-inflammatory activity of resveratrol in horses who were given Biological Prospects' product, Equithrive Joint. Within 14 days of starting treatment, the horses had significant reductions of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) in blood samples taken.
Another encouraging result of the study is that when Equithrive was stopped, the inflammatory mediator levels remained low for several weeks afterward. The 20 geriatric horses in the study continued to enjoy the benefits of their treatment.
The Gluck study is one (of only a few) that has demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of resveratrol in living organisms. It's the first study to document the efficacy of the compound in horses.
"I am pleased to see the clinical results corroborate the positive feedback we have received from veterinarians, trainers and owners over the past year," Lawless said.
Thinking long term, he added that resveratrol's positive effect on genes involved in inflammation "supports a growing body of evidence that gene targeting may be the next paradigm in pharmaceutical research and development."
Lawless has worked closely with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) to launch his business enterprise, utilizing their services to help with market research, the development of a business plan and investment placement, Lawless said.
Attending trade shows has also been very beneficial, Lawless said, allowing him "to gain a better understanding of our target markets (distribution channels, advertising and marketing opportunities, sales strategies, etc.) and to network with industry insiders who shared valuable information about their experience in the industry, including successful and unsuccessful strategies."
The KSBDC's associate director Gordon Garrett noted that Lawless has "a very scalable concept."
"Pat can grow his company to a relatively large size without adding a lot of employees or a lot of investment," Garrett said.
Biological Prospects
Equine Health division began marketing the resveratrol-based Equithrive
Joint in December 2008. The company also makes Equithrive Health for horses under stress from breeding, growing or competition, and Equithrive Mass, to help equine athletes build lean muscles. These products are available through area veterinarians and at Hagyard Equine Institute's pharmacy.
Biological Prospects
also has a canine health subsidiary. Its petsoothicals product Shine supports healthy skin and coat. Petsoothicals Calm helps dogs cope with separation anxiety and other stressful situations. Petsoothicals Flex, with resveratrol, is for healthy joint function and mobility.
These products for dogs come in the form of unbaked soft chews. Petsoothicals ProFlex, for dogs with severe pain and stiffness, is a powder to add to the animal's food. Petsoothicals are available at both Bluegrass Barkery locations. For more information see www.equithrive.com and www.petsoothicals.com.