The Department of Kinesiology in the College of Education at Louisiana State University is conducting three clinical trials for Neuragen®, a non-prescriptive homeopathic drug used to relieve nerve pain, produced by Origin BioMed Inc.

The trials test the efficacy of Neuragen for limb pain caused by a condition called peripheral neuropathy, or PN, a degenerative disease causing significant nerve damage in the extremities, resulting in pain and numbness in the hands and feet, often caused by diabetic nerve damage.

All three trials have been registered with an international register and given an ISRCTN, or International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number. The ISRCTN Register complies with requirements set out by the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.

“LSU was selected for the trials because of the expertise of the LSU Peripheral Neuropathy Studies group,” said Li Li, Jo Ellen Levy Yates Professor of Kinesiology at LSU and renowned gait and balance specialist. “Our experience in PN-related scientific research gives the company confidence about our ability to conduct such trials. Also, our deep connection with the PN community makes such trials feasible.”

Li and his research group have been studying peripheral neuropathy for years, and are best known for their success in using tai chi, the eastern art of strength and meditation, to battle PN. Trial participants are recruited from the community, not from existing study groups – although they are given the option to join the tai chi program after the trials are completed.

So far, the results of the trials, started in September 2007, seem promising.

“Approximately 90 percent of those using the oil experienced a significant reduction in pain, compared to less than 50 percent for those using the placebo,” said Li. “We initially wanted to verify if the ointment would have detrimental effects on balance because of the numbing agent it contains, but we were pleasantly surprised that the application reduced pain while improving postural balance and mobility – and without compromising tactile sensation on the sole of the foot.”

The trials ended on Oct. 1, and the results will be announced subsequently. Origin Biomed Inc. has invited Li to join its Scientific Advisory Board to maintain a long-term partnership aimed at improving existing products and developing new ones to positively impact the quality of life for people suffering with PN.

For more information about peripheral neuropathy and LSU’s research efforts to combat its effects, contact Li Li at 225-578-9146, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.pn.lsu.edu .

For more information about Neuragen or Origin Biomed Inc., contact Robert Silverstein at 902-444-8696 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it