Spirit Sciences USA and ITEB RAS Find That Many Alcohol-Related Injuries May Be Prevented.

Business Editors, Health/Medical Writers

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2002

Researchers from the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ITEB RAS) and Spirit Sciences USA, a California-based company, announced that RU-21, a succinic acid-based formula, has been shown in clinical trials to be effective in minimizing, or in some cases completely preventing, the harmful effects of acetaldehyde, a cancer-linked byproduct of alcohol metabolism.

Acetaldehyde is known to cause most alcohol-related diseases as well as diminished physical appearance. Recent studies directly link acetaldehyde buildup in the body to various types of cancer, liver cirrhosis, brain damage, sexual dysfunctions, damage to DNA cells, which causes genetic predisposition to alcoholism; reproductive system damage in both men and women, as well as the most common syndrome, known as a hangover.

Results obtained in three large clinical trials involving patients with chronic gastritis, stomach ulcers and dipsomania were duplicated by Scientific Institute of Narcology of the Russian Ministry of Public Health. They indicate that RU-21 slows ethanol oxidation into acetaldehyde and increases the speed of acetaldehyde decomposition into acetic acid, and consequently into water and carbon dioxide. It also balances metabolic processes in liver, heart and brain cells. This combination of therapeutic effects has never been previously achieved.

"Understanding and correcting alcohol metabolism is a key to reducing the risks associated with its consumption, including the development of alcoholism," says Dr. Evgeny Mayevsky, the Vice Director for Research of ITEB RAS and a prominent Russian scientist. "Alcohol research is and has been for many years a number one priority for us, because alcohol-related injuries and diseases are epidemic in Russia, to the point where I can say that it represents a clear and present danger to our society. Today, I'm happy to say that we made a big step forward."

Spirit Sciences already began marketing RU-21 in the United States in October as a dietary supplement. Emil Chiaberi, a COO of Spirit Sciences, expressed confidence that the product will quickly become popular in the United States. "For most people, the incentive to try the product would be its anti-hangover effect. The benefits, of course, will be much broader. In terms of our long-term goals in the United States, let me just say that if everyone who consumes alcohol, other than small quantities of wine, uses RU-21, it will make a real difference in public health issues related to alcohol consumption."

About Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ITEB RAS)

ITEB RAS was established in 1990 by the order of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a result of restructuring of a Biophysics Institute of RAS, which was founded in 1952. ITEB RAS consists of 35 scientific research departments and 24 laboratories and employs over 330 researchers.

Dr. Mayevsky is a Vice Director of Research of ITEB RAS. Among his many scientific contributions is development of Perftoran, a blood substitute for which he received a top government award.

About Spirit Sciences

Spirit Sciences USA is a California-based company involved in the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of breakthrough pharmaceutical and nutritional products. The company's products are sold at more than 70,000 retail locations in North America, Europe, Countries of CIS and Israel.