Next Pharmaceuticals supplement helps manage prostate cancer

In US National Institutes of Health-funded study, scientists found that Nexrutine, a proprietary extract from the bark of the Phellodendron tree, prevented the growth of prostate cancer cells.

In the study, Nexrutine treatment killed prostate cancer cells through induction of a process called apoptosis (cell death) and inhibition of cancer cell growth. Specifically, treatment with Nexrutine altered some of the key molecules such as Akt kinase and transcription factor CREB associated with these processes.

“We are very excited about the results of this two year study and are in the process of setting up clinical trials as the next step,” said Bob Garrison, CEO and president of Next Pharmaceuticals. “This research indicates that Nexrutine could make an important contribution in the management of prostate cancer.”

“A number of drugs and nutrients have been and are being studied for their ability to prevent prostate cancer,” added Dr Pratap Kumar, from the department of urology at the University of Texas Health Science Center. “However, a reduction in prostate cancer progression using an inexpensive and safe dietary supplement such as Nexrutine is very exciting.”

Up until now, Next Pharmaceuticals has marketed the supplement for pain and inflammation. It reduces pain, without the gastrointestinal irritation commonly caused by aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, nutritional supplements are increasingly being used for various diseases including cancers.