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Animi-3(TM) - The Only Prescription Product Containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids and B Vitamins

Posted on: Monday, 22 November 2004, 18:00 CST

GORDONSVILLE, Va., Nov. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- PBM Pharmaceuticals, Inc., developer of innovative prescription formulations, now offers the only prescription medication with omega-3 fatty acids. The only Rx product of its kind, Animi-3(TM) is already being widely prescribed by physicians as supplement therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cardiovascular disease, and depression.

The recent withdrawal of arthritic pain medication Vioxx* from the market and public concern over the safety of certain prescription drug therapies have left arthritics and other patients looking for alternative treatments for their pain. Many are seeking prescription products such as Animi-3 (patent- pending) that have no serious adverse effects.

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, arthritis and chronic joint symptoms affect nearly 70 million people in this country. The severe inflammatory disease is RA, a chronic condition characterized by joint pain, muscle pain, stiffness, fatigue, and fever. More than two million Americans suffer from RA and also have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease.

"We are pleased to offer the only prescription product containing omega- 3's to aid physicians in their efforts with inflammatory related diseases," said PBM Executive Vice President Jack Schramm.

Patients with RA often have elevated levels of homocysteine, a risk marker for cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, and even possibly depression.(1) Trials have shown that a combination of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 can often lower homocysteine levels in these and other patients. "As part of a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 may reduce the risk of vascular disease."(2)

Combining a B vitamin regimen with the power of omega-3 fatty acids may further benefit patients suffering from inflammatory disease. Omega-3's are essential fatty acids present in every cell and play a vital role in human life. Studies have demonstrated that omega-3's benefit patients suffering from RA by reducing morning stiffness and joint pain.

A major source of omega-3's is dietary fish. However, high levels of contamination from pollution have placed many fish on the FDA health warning list, leaving a gap in American diets for this essential nutrient. The omega- 3 in Animi-3 has been highly refined to remove contaminants commonly found in fish oil such as methylmercury.

Clinical evidence presented by leading researchers at Cornell University(3) suggests that a synergistic combination product such as Animi-3 can be a valuable addition to the physician's therapeutic regimen.

PBM Pharmaceuticals is privately owned and based in Gordonsville, Virginia. The company affiliate, PBM Products, Inc., markets infant formula, infant foods, pediatric and adult nutritionals, diabetic products, and infant feeding systems. PBM's family of companies also consists of PBM Nutritionals, PBM Foods, PBM International, and PBM Plastics.

For more information, please contact Joe Shields, Director of Public Relations, at (800) 959-2066 ext. 131, or jshields@pbmproducts.com.

* Vioxx (chemical name rofecoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

drug (NSAID) manufactured by Merck & Co.

(1) Yxfeldt, A. et al. Homocysteine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

in relation to inflammation and B-vitamin treatment. Scand J

Rheumatol. 2003; 32(4):205-10.

(2) FDA evaluated the above claim and found that, while it is known that

diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol reduce the risk of heart

disease and other vascular diseases, the evidence in support of the

above claim is inconclusive. FDA "Qualified Health Claims" B

Vitamins & Vascular Disease. Docket No. 99P-3029.

(3) "Increased Consumption of Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Lower the Risk of

Cardiovascular Disease, Dementia, and Inflammatory Disease"

Conference, July 1, 2004. Supported by PBM educational grant.

PBM Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

CONTACT: Joe Shields, Director of Public Relations of PBMPharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-800-959-2066, ext. 131, or jshields@pbmproducts.com

Web site: http://www.storebrandformulas.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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