Imagenetix Inc. Presents Efficacy Study Results for Fatty Acid Ester Complex on Osteoarthritis Patients. Issue: April 2, 2001Business Editors/Health and Medical Writers Fatty acid ester complex capsules, known as CMC(TM), may combat the pain and mobility challenges of osteoarthritis (OA), according to results of a recent clinical trial presented at the Experimental Biology Conference 2001 in Orlando. Robert Hesslink, Jr. Sc.D., consulting scientist to Imagenetix Inc. (OTC:IAGX), sponsor of the trial, presented favorable findings from a double-blinded, multi-center, placebo-controlled trial conducted in India in Fall 2000. The study received Institutional Review Board approval from the Medical Center in Bangalore, India. "The present clinical trial demonstrates the effectiveness of CMC to improve functional independence in osteoarthritic sufferers," said Dr. Hesslink. "These patients experienced an overall increase in their knee range of motion as well as in their ability to walk up stairs." Therapy for OA is primarily palliative (soothing) and based on using analgesic or anti-inflammatory agents such as NSAID. Recognizing the need for a therapy that would be safe, efficacious and actually modify the course of OA, Imagenetix, a San Diego-based nutritional supplement research and development company, set out to develop such a product. The result is CMC, a proprietary blend of naturally occurring fatty acids. "We're pleased that our efforts to develop a natural supplement such as CMC for osteoarthritis have proven successful," said Bill Spencer, president of Imagenetix. "With the baby boomer generation getting older and becoming more susceptible to this chronic condition, we believe our product can make a profound difference in people's quality of life." The results of the study are significant because one in six Americans currently suffers with symptoms of arthritis. By age 40, about 90% of all people have X-ray evidence of the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA). The 68-day study included 100 patients, equally divided among males and females between the ages of 37 to 77, who had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis for an average of nine years. The patients received either daily capsules of CMC or a vegetable oil placebo. Data indicate CMC to be effective and statistically significant in alleviating pain, improving knee flexibility and enhancing the quality of life for arthritis sufferers. During the study period, participants were evaluated by the same physician, who performed clinical assessments for levels of pain, flexion, and joint changes. Visits also included questionnaires that included participant and physician input and functional capacity scales for the treatment effects in three major areas: pain, range of motion and physical activity indicators. According to Dr. Raj Barathur, whose contract research organization -- ClinCyte -- conducted the study, there were no adverse responses reported in the study. "While further studies may be needed, this preliminary study shows that CMC may be a viable new option for osteoarthritis and related joint and health problems," concluded Barathur. The CMC product, sold under the name of "Natrol Cetyl Pure" and other brands, is available in the United States at retail outlets such as Wal Mart and Walgreen Drug Stores, as well as through other distribution channels. The product is manufactured by nutritional supplement company Natrol Inc., (Nasdaq:NTOL) in Southern California. Imagenetix is an innovator of scientifically tested, natural-based proprietary products developed to address specific health issues on a global basis. Safe Harbor Statement The company may experience significant fluctuations in future operating results due to a number of economic, competitive, and other factors, including, among other things, the size and timing of customer contracts, new or increased competition, changes in market demand, and seasonality of purchases of the company's products and services. These factors and others could cause operating results to vary significantly from those in prior periods, and those projected in forward-looking statements. Additional information with respect to these and other factors, which could materially affect the company and its operations, are included in certain forms the company expects to file with the Securities Exchange Commission. COPYRIGHT 2001 Business Wire |
