Cyanotech Reports Positive Clinical Results from Use of BioAstin for Rheumatoid Arthritis; BioAstin Shown to Significantly Reduce Joint Pain.Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii--(BW HealthWire)--May 22, 2002 Cyanotech Corporation (Nasdaq NMS See NetWare Management System. :CYAN) reported today that in a clinical trial BioAstin(R) has been shown to significantly reduce joint pain and improve physical performance in people with rheumatoid arthritis rheumatoid arthritis Chronic, progressive autoimmune disease causing connective-tissue inflammation, mostly in synovial joints. It can occur at any age, is more common in women, and has an unpredictable course. . The study showed that BioAstin may be an important addition to rheumatoid arthritis treatment, allowing people with rheumatoid arthritis to have less pain and more satisfaction with their ability to perform their usual activities. The double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted by the Health Research and Studies Center of Los Altos, California Los Altos (IPA: [lɔs ɑltos]) is a city at the southern end of the San Francisco Peninsula, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is in Santa Clara County, California, United States. . The results of the study are expected to be presented at the College of Nutrition scientific meeting in October 2002. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic destructive disorder that is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. The disease has a substantial effect in terms of disability and productivity loss as well as cost. According to the Arthritis Foundation, over two million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis while musculoskeletal musculoskeletal /mus·cu·lo·skel·e·tal/ (-skel´e-t'l) pertaining to or comprising the skeleton and muscles. mus·cu·lo·skel·e·tal adj. Relating to or involving the muscles and the skeleton. conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis cost the U.S. economy $65 billion per year in medical care and indirect expenses, such as lost wages and production. The active ingredient in BioAstin, natural astaxanthin, has been shown to be a potent antioxidant antioxidant, substance that prevents or slows the breakdown of another substance by oxygen. Synthetic and natural antioxidants are used to slow the deterioration of gasoline and rubber, and such antioxidants as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), butylated hydroxytoluene over 500 times stronger than vitamin E vitamin E or tocopherol Fat-soluble organic compound found principally in certain plant oils and leaves of green vegetables. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in body tissues and may prolong life by slowing oxidative destruction of membranes. and 10 times stronger than beta-carotene. Joint pain and joint inflammation can be caused by oxidative damage as a result of free radicals. Free radicals are generated from exposure to toxic pollutants or by the body itself as part of an immune response. The potent antioxidant properties of BioAstin may help neutralize these free radicals and minimize oxidative damage to joints. "This study, combined with the results of other studies showing positive effects from using BioAstin on carpal tunnel syndrome carpal tunnel syndrome: see repetitive stress injury. carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) Painful condition caused by repetitive stress to the wrist over time. and knee soreness, adds to the growing body of scientific evidence that BioAstin offers a viable natural alternative for persons who suffer from a variety of joint pains," said Gerald R. Cysewski, PhD., chairman, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Cyanotech. "These results should provide Twinlab Corporation and other major dietary supplement companies that are beginning to include, or plan to include, BioAstin in their products with further scientific support to develop products for the $6.8 billion joint health market," Dr. Cysewski noted. Recently, a clinical study showed patients using BioAstin reporting a reduction in both the severity and duration of pain from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Earlier, a clinical trial linked BioAstin with preventing knee soreness after strenuous leg exercises and with a significantly stronger immune system response. Cyanotech's current production capacity for BioAstin ranges from $12 million to $40 million annually, depending on the product mix, at current selling prices. -- Cyanotech Corporation, the world's leader in microalgae technology, produces high-value natural products from microalgae, and is the world's largest commercial producer of natural astaxanthin (pronounced "asta-zan-thin") from microalgae. Products include BioAstin(R) natural astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant with expanding applications as a human nutraceutical; NatuRose(R) natural astaxanthin for the aquaculture aquaculture, the raising and harvesting of fresh- and saltwater plants and animals. The most economically important form of aquaculture is fish farming, an industry that accounts for an ever increasing share of world fisheries production. and animal feed industries; Spirulina spirulina Any cyanobacteria in the genus Spirulina. A traditional food source in parts of Africa and Mexico, spirulina is an exceptionally rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, and one of the few nonanimal sources of vitamin B12. Pacifica(R), a nutrient-rich dietary supplement; and phycobiliproteins, which are fluorescent pigments used in the immunological diagnostics market. Spirulina and BioAstin are sold directly online through www.nutrex-hawaii.com and www.bioastinxp.com as well as through resellers worldwide in over 30 countries. Corporate and product information is available at www.cyanotech.com |
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