Phytopharm launches second product

Phytopharm has launched Zanthofen (PYM50014), its plant based product for the maintenance of canine joint mobility. Zanthofen will be available to veterinarians across the UK and launched in collaboration with Genitrix, one of the UK's fastest growing veterinary product companies.

Zanthofen is the lead product from Phytopharm's P54 research programme and is manufactured from two related tropical plant species. Several years of research have demonstrated that the components of Zanthofen maintain normal white cell function and have anti-oxidant properties that help maintain joint mobility. In a placebo-controlled clinical study, two months administration of ZanthofenTM components demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in canine joint mobility associated with a good safety profile.

Howard Wilder, managing director of Genitrix, said: "Zanthofen has an interesting and important profile that will complement our range of products for the companion animal market.'

Richard Dixey, chief executive of Phytopharm, said: 'It is very encouraging to be able to announce our second product launch. Zanthofen takes its place alongside Phytopica to provide a second stream of product revenue for Phytopharm.'

Canine joint disorders

It is estimated that canine joint disorders, including joint stiffness, affect 20% of the canine population over one year old, which amounts to around 1.2m animals in the UK. A variety of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products are currently used to treat this condition, including steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which are often associated with adverse side effects. The market for canine joint disorders, including joint stiffness, is currently estimated to be in excess of $20m in the UK, and over $80m in the US