Misleading statements about Chondroprotec

Viewpoint Misleading Statements About Chondroprotec We are in receipt of Volume 23, No. 7, July 2003 Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, and have read the article, “Efficacy of Intramuscular Chondroitin Sulfate and Compounded Acetyl-d-Glucosamine in a Positive Controlled Study of Equine Carpitis.” We note that the referenced article contains a number of statements that we consider to be misleading. As a matter of introduction for you and your readers, The Hymed Group Corporation (a privately held corporation) was founded in 1995 with a mission statement of “dedicated to the betterment of human and animal health.” Our products reflect our mission, having gained acceptance by health professionals globally. Based on advanced technologies and collagen and glycosaminoglycan chemistry, many of our products have been granted patented status. All of our products have specialized applications in wound care and tissue protection in both the human and animal market sectors. Chondroprotec®, a product distributed exclusively by Neogen Corporation in the animal market sector and discussed in the subject article, is a patented, FDA-cleared-for-marketing wound care product for both human and animal use. We would like to address the inaccuracies that the article conveys: • “solution of chondroitin monosulfate” — page 295 • Our product is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. Our representation is based on accepted chemical identification by the scientific community, and further, certification from a world-renowned international expert in GAG chemistry. • “Other companies and compounding pharmacists are now selling products claimed to be “generics” of popular…” • We have never claimed our product to be “generic” to any other product. By its patented status, it is by law defined to be unique for its intended use. • “thus, sterility and potency may not be as stated on the label” • Medical devices, such as ours, are subject to FDA review. Sterility and potency must be as labeled and must meet cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). • “Also, neither of these 2 products is manufactured or monitored according to the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices”

Volume 24, Number 2

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Chondroprotec® is manufactured under FDA guidelines for cGMPs in a drug-approved and FDA-inspected facility. Accurate scientific data is expected in a veterinary review as in the one referenced here. It is our intention to provide your readers with accurate facts concerning our product(s) and their intended use(s). We ask that a correction(s) be noted to our satisfaction and if needed, that we be given equal opportunity to present additional information. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Anita M. Petito Vice President, The Hymed Group 0737-0806/$ - see front matter © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2004.01.002

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