Carried out at the University of Connecticut, the new study builds on research in 2002 and published in the Journal of Rheumatology which examined the impact of a 68-day oral administration of Celadrin on 64 participants who were experiencing joint and mobility problems. Patients taking Imagenetix's Celadrin pills were said to be able to move faster and with less pain when climbing stairs or rising from a chair.
The new study used Celadrin delivered in a topical cream format, containing the same compound made up of esterified fatty acid carbons and other active ingredients as the oral product. Forty people with osteoarthritis in one or both knees were assigned to one of two groups.
One group applied the cream twice a day for 30 days while the other applied a placebo.
The results, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2005, 19(1), 115-121), indicate a significant reduction in center of pressure total excursion in the Celadrin group, measured when standing on a force plate for 20- and 40- seconds.
No significant differences were observed in the placebo group.
"The results of this study and and our previous investigation support the use of cetylated fatty acids in the treatment of osteoarthritis," said the researchers. "Such over the counter treatment may help improve the trainability of people with oseoarthritis in exercise programs."
"The publication of this study is extremely significant because it shows that people with painful joint afflictions, who use Celadrin, can successfully renew exercise programs without pain," says Bill Spencer, president of Imagenetix.
"Without exercise, these individuals are subject to a host of health problems from obesity, to diabetes and heart disease."
Celadrin has proved a lucrative product for Imagenetix. In November 2004 it reported its seventh consecutive profitable quarter with revenue of $1.03 million - an 11% increase compared to $0.93 for the prior year prior - and net income of $17,812.00 from $13,853.00.
In August Imagenetix signed an agreement with Canadian company Proprietary Nutritionals to market Celadrin on a global basis (except India and China) with the aim of making the joint care product a household name.