First Absorption Study Shows Cosequin® Bioavailable in Horses

Edgewood, Md.—A recent study to be presented at the American Association of Equine Practitioners annual meeting in San Diego, Ca. on Nov. 27, shows that the trademarked ingredients in Cosequin® Equine Powder, an equine joint health supplement manufactured by Nutramax Laboratories®, has shown absorption and bioavailability in horses. This is the first study to show oral absorption in horses by detecting the presence of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in blood plasma. A similar bioavailability study involving dogs was presented at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences meeting October 21-25, 2001.

The study examined oral and intravenous administration in horses of the low molecular weight TRH122™ Chondroitin Sulfate used exclusively in Cosequin and FCHG49™ Glucosamine Hydrochloride. It concluded that both TRH122™ Chondroitin Sulfate and FCHG49™ Glucosamine Hydrochloride is rapidly absorbed in horses (less than 2.5 hours) through oral administration. The companion dog study, following similar parameters, showed that the low molecular weight TRH122™ Chondroitin Sulfate accumulated in the body with continued administration. This supports Cosequin’s suggested administration schedule of a loading regimen for several weeks followed by lowering the amount of Cosequin in a maintenance regimen.

“We are very excited about the results of this study,” said Todd Henderson, DVM, Executive Vice President of Nutramax Laboratories. “This study, along with recently published cellular and clinical studies, shows that the exclusive combination of ingredients in Cosequin not only are absorbed in the horse, but act synergistically to support cartilage structure and function. Nutramax Laboratories has always used the highest quality ingredients in Cosequin, which, in turn, has attracted academic support, for which we are very grateful.”

Henderson added, “ The study also suggests that the molecular weight influences absorption in horses. Through this study, the absorption in Cosequin is certain. The same cannot be said for other products which use lower quality, high molecular weight chondroitin sulfate.”

NOTE: Dr. Natalie Eddington will present “Evidence of the Oral Absorption of Chondroitin Sulfate as Determined by Total Disaccharide Content after Oral and Intravenous Administration to Horses as part of the Dolly Green Lecture Series on Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at the American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Meeting in San Diego, Convention Center Ballroom A/B.

Cosequin Equine Powder is manufactured by Nutramax Laboratories, a privately-held nutraceutical research and development company, based in Edgewood, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb. Cosequin earned the GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SEAL. Cosequin is also available in a chewable tablet and capsules for dogs and cats.