Curus™

The Story

The idea for our product was generated by observing the feeding behavior of deer in the wild. It appears that animals periodically and preferentially chew on the bark of trees growing on sulfur-rich soil. Moreover, animals in these geographical regions seem “healthier” than those living in adjacent locations.

After experimenting with combinations of lignosulfonates and sulfur on a farm in southern Alberta and observing a reduced incident of diseases, it was decided to do laboratory research on the product we now call Curus™.

Following numerous anecdotal reports about the beneficial health impact of Curus™ in many animal species, the strategic decision was made to conduct a small clinical trial of older dogs afflicted by mobility issues, a common ailment in older dogs. The results were significant enough for us to introduce Curus™ as a feed supplement for dogs.

Because lameness is also prevalent in competition and older horses, and because of numerous positive feedback from owner and breeders who did try our product, we also launched a version of Curus™ in horses.

The Strategy

1. Define the therapeutic target(s) for human and animal health
2. Isolation of active component(s)
3. Commercialize the product as a therapeutic for human and animal health

To ensure an effective partition of the multiple possible business opportunities, Natural MA Inc. has formed daughter companies: Nu Paradigm Animal Health Ltd., for the large and companion animal markets; Aquaculture Solutions Inc. for the aquaculture market; Nu Paradigm Health Products Ltd. for human market.

The Opportunity

The goals of the scientific activities are fourfold:

1. Determine the therapeutic potential of Curus™
2. Isolate the active component
3. Determine the mode-of-action (MOA) of Curus™
4. Commission clinical trials in animals to discover other possible health benefits and commercial opportunities for Curus™

At the moment, we have results from many studies in vitro and in vivo aimed at evaluating the potential of Curus™ as a panviral product. Attempts at purifying the active component are ongoing along with expanding on data supporting a theory on how Curus™ works.