Two Studies Presented at the 2004 World Congress Reveal Benefits of Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Chondroitin Sulfate That Have Implications for Sports/Fitness Enthusiasts

EDGEWOOD, MD -- Feb. 4, 2005 -- Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. -- Studies Reveal Combination of FCHG49(R) Glucosamine Hydrochloride and TRH122(R) Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate Found Exclusively in Cosamin(R)DS Stimulates Collagen Synthesis and Reverses Cartilage Breakdown

At the December 2004 World Congress hosted by Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) two research studies revealed the beneficial effects of FCHG49(R) Glucosamine Hydrochloride (HCl) and TRH122(R) Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate found exclusively in Cosamin(R)DS, manufactured by Nutramax Laboratories, Inc.

Dr. L. Lippiello, Director of Cartilage Research at Nutramax Laboratories, Inc., presented a poster on in-vitro research demonstrating FCHG49 Glucosamine HCl and TRH122 Chondroitin Sulfate speed up the collagen synthesis in chondrocytes, tenocytes, and ligament cells. These results have important implications for sports/fitness enthusiasts. As Dr. Lippiello explains, “Collagen comprises a high percentage of the cartilage matrix and a large part of tendons and ligaments, both of which are accessory structures in the joint, helping to provide stability. By enhancing collagen synthesis, the combination of FCHG49 Glucosamine HCl and TRH122 Chondroitin Sulfate directly supports cartilage matrix production and protects cartilage by helping guard against instability of the joint. Positive effects on ligaments and tendons could also be useful in rehabilitation of joints especially in sports-related accidents. This type of tendon/ligament injury constitutes about 30-50% of all sports-related conditions.”

In another study at the same conference, Dr. G. A. Homandberg, Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, presented studies in which his laboratory used an in-vitro cartilage model that measured the content of proteoglycans (PG), chondroitin sulfate-containing proteins that play a fundamental role in cartilage function. Cartilage has several functions including covering the surface of joints to reduce friction and damage when bones slide over one another and acting as a shock absorber to cushion bones from excessive loading.

To induce cartilage breakdown, Dr. Homandberg and colleagues Linda Ray, Lei Ding and Danping Guo exposed cartilage explants with proteolytic fragments of fibronectin. Fibronectin is a normal component of cartilage that is broken down into fragments during cartilage breakdown and causes PG depletion. When physiological levels of a combination of FCHG49 Glucosamine HCl and TRH122 Chondroitin Sulfate (the combination) were included, the PG depletion that normally follows was markedly reduced. When the combination was added after the depletion of PG had occurred, the breakdown was reversed back to the normal or even greater level of PG. The effects observed were greater than expected from the activity of each individual agent, demonstrating a strong synergistic effect. In addition, the combination also increased PG levels in normal cartilage. These effects were linked to enhancement of PG synthesis. This study showed for the first time that breakdown in cartilage could be reversed by this combination of special agents.

Other studies have demonstrated that not all glucosamine and chondroitin products are the same. Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. supplied the FCHG49(R) Glucosamine Hydrochloride and TRH122(R) Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, as found exclusively in its product Cosamin(R)DS, for these research studies.

About Nutramax Laboratories, Inc.:

Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. Consumer Products Division manufactures Cosamin(R)DS joint health supplement, which, according to surveys conducted by Orthopedics Today of Orthopedic Surgeons and Rheumatologists in April 2000, November 2001, and July 2003, is the #1 recommended glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate brand. Nutramax Laboratories also manufactures Senior Moment(R) used to support brain function. For more information about Nutramax Laboratories Inc., visit www.nutramaxlabs.com.

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