Renowned Biochemist To Introduce New Osteoarthritis Treatment

CEBU, Philippines - Dr. Robert W. Gracy, Vice-President for Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio, is set to give a lecture at this year’s Philippine Academy of Family Physicians’ (PAFP) Annual Convention. As the second biggest medical organization in the Philippines, the PAFP Annual Convention is expected to gather around 3,000 Family Medicine practitioners from all over the country. 

Dr. Gracy will be part of this year’s convention to introduce Poly-NAG, a new Glucosamine-based treatment for osteoarthritis marketed locally by Pascual Laboratories, Inc..

In the past, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or pain relievers have been used to treat the pain of osteoarthritis caused by the wearing of cartilage that cushions the joints from constant movement or motion. However, it was found that these medications are not advisable to be taken over long periods of time as they have side effects that affect the cardiovascular and renal systems. 

A new age of arthritis management has dawned with the introduction of supplements like Glucosamine, which has been proven to help rebuild cartilage to treat osteoarthritis after long-term use. However, Glucosamine is cleared rapidly from the body, requiring arthritis sufferers to take large and frequent doses of it to get its full benefits, round the clock.

To address the retention and absorption issues, biochemists in the United States led by Dr. Gracy, conducted further research and clinical trials until they discovered poly-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine or Poly-NAG, a bigger and more stable molecule that is proven to provide a sustained delivery of Glucosamine in joints and connective tissues.

In his presentation titled, “Sustained Release Glucosamine in Osteoarthritis,” Dr. Gracy will share his observations and findings in the clinical trials he conducted to validate the unique delivery system of this new form of Glucosamine. Dr. Gracy will also demonstrate how Poly-NAG differentiates itself from other Glucosamine-based treatments as it is proven to have the ability to retain Glucosamine levels in the body for longer periods of time.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Gracy at this year’s PAFP convention. We are certain that his expertise will aid us in discovering new and more effective ways of treating osteoarthritis and alleviating the distress caused by osteoarthritis to patients,” said Ian Segovia, Group Product Manager for the Pharmacare Division at Pascual Laboratories, Inc.

Dr. Gracy received his B.S. in Chemistry and Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic University and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of California. He was a Fellow of the Damon Runyon Cancer Foundation at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and a Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation of Germany. In addition to his academic appointments as Professor of Biology and Chemistry, he has served as Chairman of Biochemistry and Dean of Research. He has held Visiting Professor positions in Germany, China, Thailand and Puerto Rico.

The Philippine Academy of Family Physicians’ Annual Convention will be held on February 26 to 28 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Dr. Robert Gracy will deliver his lecture during the lunch symposium hosted by Pascual Laboratories, Inc. on Thursday, February 26, at the PICC Summit Function Rooms E & F.