Smartfish’s medical drink trial a success for COPD patients suffering from cachexia
Posted: 20 September 2016 | | No comments yet
Cachexia is a condition of involuntary weight loss, undernourishment and a number of negative side-effects that can be seen in patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as in cancer and in several severe inflammatory diseases, such as AIDS, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis and rheumatoid arthritis…
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 45 COPD patients suffering from cachexia shows that Remune, a targeted medical nutritional drink, developed and produced by the Norwegian company Smartfish AS, significantly improves the patients’ symptoms and activity related quality of life, besides from being safe and tolerable.
According to the clinical study, Remune improves patients’ fat depots, fatigue and dyspnea, blood pressure and metabolic markers. It also shows positive trends in inflammatory markers and overall improved activity related quality of life.
“It is very gratifying that this study now clearly shows that there is hope of a better quality of life for the millions of COPD patients suffering from cachexia”, said Maria Öhlander, Chief Scientific Officer at Smartfish.
Cachexia is a condition of involuntary weight loss, undernourishment and a number of negative side-effects that can be seen in patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as in cancer and in several severe inflammatory diseases, such as AIDS, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
COPD is an obstructive lung disease characterised by long-term poor airflow, shortness of breath and severe cough. It affects nearly 5% of the global population. Approximately 20% to 30% of patients suffering from COPD also develop cachexia.
What the drink is made from
Remune’s composition is juiced-based with plant antioxidants and high levels of omega-3, vitamin D, high-quality whey protein and polyphenols targeted specifically at patients with cachexia. It has a fruity flavour and a smoothie like texture, features that have proven to be well accepted by cancer and COPD patients.
Clinical trials
In the study, either Remune or the placebo, a milk-based isocaloric drink – was taken by the patients twice daily over a period of 12 weeks.
The group that was given Remune showed a significant increase in Vitamin D and Omega 3, lowered blood pressure, increased fat mass and reduced fatigue and dyspnea. The group also showed improvements in metabolic and inflammatory markers. Overall, improvement in activity related quality of life was significant in the group given Remune.
“We have been convinced of our nutritional emulsions’ nutritional and medical effects for a very long time. A number of clinical studies have pointed in that direction. However, this is the first study of our product’s effect on one of the world’s major deadly diseases. It clearly shows that we can make a significant difference for patients. We will now do our utmost to ensure that Remune can reach them within short”, said Smartfish’s CEO Claus Kjaergaard.
