Breakthrough Study Provides Evidence that Low Molecular Weight Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine Hydrochloride Protect Against Cartilage Breakdown.

EDGEWOOD, Md. -- Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. is pleased to announce results of a study* published in the November issue of the American Journal of Veterinary Research that reinforce the advantage of the use of the combination of FCHG49(R) glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122(R) low molecular weight (LMW) chondroitin sulfate, as found exclusively in Cosamin(R)DS, in protecting joint health. E[acute accent]Chan et al from Michigan State University were the first to investigate the effects of both FCHG49 glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122 LMW chondroitin sulfate on gene expression of proteolytic enzymes in cartilage explants. They discovered that these agents decreased interleukin-1-induced gene expression of several matrix metalloproteinases and aggrecanases involved in cartilage breakdown. The chondroitin sulfate used by these investigators is the same bioactive chondroitin sulfate used in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) GAIT study. E[acute accent]"These results provide further evidence on how CosaminDS may support and protect joint cartilage," said Carmelita G. Frondoza, PhD, Director of Research and Development at Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. E[acute accent]Results of a second study** published in November's American Journal of Veterinary Research lend additional credence to the importance of ingredients used. This study by Neil et al noted no effects on interleukin-1-induced gene expression of proteolytic enzymes or other mediators by a chondroitin sulfate obtained from a different source. The investigators noted that the source, purity and molecular weight of the chondroitin sulfate may have been responsible for the lack of effectiveness. The Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. research and development laboratory team also found that chondroitin sulfate from different sources varied in their ability to suppress pro-inflammatory gene expression. E[acute accent]CosaminDS is the only glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate brand shown effective, safe, and bioavailable in published, controlled U.S. studies. CosaminDS is also the only brand that contains the chondroitin sulfate found in the NIH study.

E[acute accent]About Nutramax Laboratories, Inc.:

E[acute accent]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, July 2003,and July, 2005 is the #1 recommended glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate.

E[acute accent]Cosamin(R)DS contains FCHG49(R) Glucosamine Hydrochloride and TRH122(R) Low Molecular Weight Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Nutramax Laboratories(R) exclusive researched specifications.

E[acute accent]*Chan PS, Caron JP, Orth MW. Effect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on regulation of gene expression of proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors in interleukin-1-challenged bovine articular cartilage explants. AJVR 2005;66(11):1870-1876.

E[acute accent]**Neil KM, Orth MW, Coussens PM, et al. Effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on mediators of osteoarthritis in cultured equine chondrocytes stimulated by use of recombinant equine interleukin-1Beta. AJVR 2005;66(11):1861-1869.