Protandim is a herbal dietary supplement marketed with unsupported claims that it can treat a number of medical conditions. The product is a patented[1] mix of five herbal ingredients and sold by LifeVantage Corporation (formerly LifeLine Therapeutics, Lifeline Nutraceuticals, and Yaak River Resources, Inc), a Utah-based multi-level marketing company.[2] The manufacturers of Protandim claim it can prevent or cure a wide variety of medical conditions.[3] In 2017, LifeVantage was issued a warning letter by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding illegal advertising claims on the company's websites suggesting that Protandim can help to cure various ailments, including cancer and diabetes.[4][5][6]

History

In 2003, Lifeline Therapeutics, a privately held Denver-based nutraceutical licensing and marketing company, entered into an agreement with Massachusetts biotechnology company CereMedix for the rights to market CMX-1152, an experimental peptide-based compound, under the brand name "Protandim" (also sometimes referred to at that time as "Rholen," "Rejuven8r" and "ependymin").[7][8][9][10][11][12][13] CereMedix was a ten percent owner of Lifeline and members of the CereMedix management board served on Lifeline's board of directors. CMX-1152 was claimed to upregulate the production of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and to offset the aging process.[12]

CMX-1152 was due to be marketed as an over the counter anti-aging pill in June 2004 after completing human clinical trials. However, plans to market the CMX-1152 version of Protandim fell through and in April 2004 Lifeline Therapeutics announced that it would instead be marketing a different (non-peptide) dietary supplement under the name "Protandim CF" (to distinguish it from the peptide version initially developed by Cermedix). The new version of Protandim, a combination of five common herbal ingredients including turmeric and green tea was invented following "months of extensive research and development" by Lifeline employees Paul Myhill and William Driscoll (a former oil company executive), who together hold the patent on the product,[1] and it was launched in February 2005. Myhill and Driscoll resigned from the company later that year.[13][14][15][16]

Like CMX-1152, the herbal mixture known as Protandim that supplanted it was marketed by Lifeline as an "anti-aging" supplement that increases the body's antioxidant defenses by upregulating superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. According to the company, the product was initially sold through retail channels such as GNC;[17] however, in 2009, after several consecutive years of multimillion-dollar losses, the company, which by then was doing business under the name LifeVantage, stopped marketing it through retailers and switched to multi-level marketing, selling it instead through a network of commissioned independent distributors. According to LifeVantage, the move from retail to multi-level marketing was prompted by the January 2008 hiring of David W. Brown, (formerly CEO and president of Metabolife) as the company's CEO and president.[18][19]

Beginning in 2005, Protandim was produced under a manufacturing agreement with The Chemins Company of Colorado Springs, Colorado.[20] In July 2008, LifeVantage entered into a new manufacturing agreement with Cornerstone Research & Development to produce Protandim, and with Wasatch Product Development to produce a Protandim-based skin cream (TrueScience).[21]

In 2006, biochemist Joe M. McCord joined the LifeVantage board of directors as the company's director of science.[22] McCord, who is listed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a LifeVantage insider shareholder,[23] served as a spokesperson for Protandim and was responsible for distributor training and product research.[23] Under the terms of his 2011 employment agreement, McCord received $529,994 in direct compensation as well as a 50-cent commission on every bottle of Protandim sold.[24][25] McCord served as LifeVantage's Chief Scientific Officer from June 2011 until September 2012, and then became a member of its science advisory board. LifeVantage announced McCord's retirement in June 2013.[26][27] Under the terms of the separation agreement, McCord was to receive a payment of $1.7 million from the company.[27]

In January 2014, McCord was replaced by Shawn Talbott (developer of CortiSlim),[28] who served as the company's chief science officer[29] until being relieved of his duties in June 2015[30] and replaced in August 2015 by Natalie Chevreau, who was hired as the company's senior vice president of research and development and is credited with the invention of the company's TruScience skin care product.[31]

Product invention

As recently as July 21, 2011, LifeVantage credited McCord as the creator of Protandim on its website.[32] At a 2011 conference for LifeVantage distributors, McCord stated, "I was presented with a list of 41 potential ingredients for a product they wanted to call Protandim, and I went through the list and penciled out, rapidly, about 36 of those ingredients," leaving the 5 ingredients in the current formulation of Protandim.[33] In March 2009, former LifeLine Therapeutics executive, Paul Myhill stated, "We initially decided to hide that fact [that Myhill derived the core composition for Protandim] for marketing purposes and instead rely on the impeccable background of Dr. McCord."[34] In April, 2005, Myhill produced a signed letter from McCord in which McCord stated, "I do not honestly feel that I have made contributions to the intellectual property, up to this point, that would qualify me as an inventor...I must congratulate you and Paul for having framed the concept of Protandim so close to its final embodiment, prior to the beginnings of our association."[35]

Composition

Protandim consists mainly of a blend of five herbal ingredients (amounts per caplet listed in parentheses):[36]

  • Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract (70–80% Silymarin) (225 mg)
  • Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) extract (45% bacosides) (150 mg)
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) powder (150 mg)
  • Green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract (98% polyphenols, 45% EGCG) (75 mg)
  • Turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract (95% curcumin) (75 mg)

Effectiveness

Marketing claims that Protadim can prevent or treat cancer are unproven and have been deemed fraudulent by the FDA.[37] Research into use as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is of poor quality, casting doubt on its usefulness for drawing any conclusions about efficacy.[38]

In 2011, Harriet A. Hall wrote for Science-Based Medicine that, "We simply don't know enough at this point to recommend Protandim for treatment or prevention of any disease, for anti-aging, for making people feel healthier or more energetic, or for anything else."[39]

Side effects

According to the manufacturer, Protandim can cause allergic responses, gastrointestinal disturbances (stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting), headache, and a rash on the hands and feet.[40][41]

Protandim voluntary recall

In December 2012, LifeVantage issued a voluntary recall of select lots (ten lots in total comprising 247,896 bottles) of Protandim due to potential health risks arising from the possible inclusion of small metal fragments in the final product.[42][43] In February 2013, the company announced that it was extending the recall to include additional lots of the product, estimating the total cost of the recall at $5.9 million.[44]

FDA Warning for illegal marketing

On April 17, 2017, LifeVantage was issued a warning letter by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding illegal advertising claims on the company's websites suggesting that Protandim can play a role in helping to cure various ailments, including cancer and diabetes. The claims were deemed to be in violation of Section 201(g)(1)(B) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. § 321(g)(1)(B)].[4][5][6]

Other

In 2009, LifeVantage was sued by Utah-based Zrii LLC, a marketer of nutritional fruit drinks endorsed by Deepak Chopra, based on allegations that LifeVantage had conspired with former Zrii executives to "ruin the company" and take it over “on the cheap” following a "mass exodus". The case was closed in December 2009 following LifeVantage's settlement payment of $400,000 to Zrii.[45]

On October 14, 2011, Burke Hedges, a former LifeVantage distributor (hired for his background as a speaker and trainer) filed a lawsuit with the Utah District Court against LifeVantage and its executives, seeking $3 million in punitive damages over allegations of wrongful termination and tortious interference.[46]

In September 2016, a class action lawsuit was filed against LifeVantage in Utah alleging that the company and its executive Darren Jensen and Mark Jaggi made false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, the case alleged that the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) LifeVantage lacked effective internal financial controls; (ii) as a result, the Company had improperly accounted for sales in certain international markets, along with associated revenue and income tax accruals; and (iii) as a result of the foregoing, LifeVantage's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.[47][48] The case was dismissed in June 2017.[49][50]

In January 2018, a class action lawsuit was filed against LifeVantage in Connecticut alleging that the company and its chief executive officer Darren Jensen, chief sales officer Justin Rose, and chief marketing officer Ryan Goodwin were operating an illegal pyramid scheme in violation of the RICO Act, federal securities laws, and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.[51]

Promotional sponsorship

Major League Soccer team Real Salt Lake announced on October 29, 2013, that it had partnered with LifeVantage for a long-term, multimillion-dollar jersey-front sponsorship. The partnership was set to formally go into effect on January 1, 2014, with the LifeVantage logo appearing on the Real Salt Lake jersey starting in the next season.[52] In July 2015, Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen was reported by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to have bought a 5.1 percent ownership stake in LifeVantage.[5]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 US 7241461, Myhill, Paul R. & Driscoll, William J., "Composition for alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress in a mammal.", issued 10 July 2007
  2. ↑ LifeVantage Corporation"FAQs – LifeVantage". Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  3. ↑ Hall H (9 May 2017). "Protandim Update: New Studies and an FDA Warning Letter". Science-Based Medicine.
  4. 1 2 Kamrani, Christopher (April 26, 2017). "Real Salt Lake: RSL jersey sponsor LifeVantage in hot water with FDA over supplement's treatment claims". Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 Montgomery, Matt (April 26, 2017). "FDA warns RSL kit sponsor LifeVantage over cancer treatment claims". SB Nation. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  6. 1 2 "2017 – Lifevantage Corp 4/17/17". www.fda.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
  7. ↑ "Lifeline Nutraceuticals, CereMedix sign agreement". Nutraceuticals World. December 1, 2003. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved 2012-08-19.
  8. ↑ "The Uncertain Antiaging Pill (press release)". Betterhumans. December 1, 2004. Retrieved 2012-08-19.
  9. ↑ Alison McCook (February 2006). "Your Money for Your Life". The Scientist. 20 (3): 33.
  10. ↑ "LifeLine Therapeutics press release". October 16, 2003. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved 2012-08-19.
  11. ↑ Bailey, Patrick. "The Uncertain Antiaging Pill". Betterhumans. Archived from the original on December 4, 2004. Retrieved 2004-11-29.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  12. 1 2 "Scientist returns to build long-life pill plant". The Scotsman. November 17, 2003. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
  13. 1 2 Austin, Marsha (December 8, 2003). "Denver Businessmen Gamble on Selling Fountain of Youth in Pill Form". Denver Post. Archived from the original on June 10, 2013. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
  14. ↑ "Some days it's just hard to believe". Footnoted. November 17, 2005. Retrieved 2012-08-19.
  15. ↑ "Lifeline Therapeutics CEO resigns". Denver Business Journal. July 5, 2005. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
  16. ↑ "Paul R. Myhill. RE: Resignation from the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Lifeline Therapeutics, Inc (Form 8-K)". United States Securities and Exchange Commission. November 11, 2005. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
  17. ↑ "Protandim to be Available at General Nutrition Center (GNC) Stores". Lifeline Therapeutics press release. July 20, 2005. Retrieved 2012-08-19.
  18. ↑ "LifeVantage Corporation Appoints Industry Veteran David Brown as President & CEO (LFVN press release)". Reuters. January 14, 2008. Archived from the original on June 9, 2013. Retrieved 2012-08-24.
  19. ↑ "The LifeVantage Story". LifeVantage, Inc. Archived from the original on 2011-11-12. Retrieved 2012-08-24. David Brown, President of LifeVantage Network, recognized Protandim's potential.
  20. ↑ "LIFEVANTAGE CORP, Form 10KSB/A, Filing Date Jan 26, 2006". secdatabase.com. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  21. ↑ "LIFEVANTAGE CORP, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Sep 28, 2011" (PDF). secdatabase.com. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Dr. Joe M. Mccord Joins Lifeline Therapeutics, Inc. Board of Directors. | Business News and Press Releases from AllBusiness.com". Archived from the original on 2011-08-24. Retrieved 2014-09-22.
  23. 1 2 "MCCORD JOE M ALL SEC FILINGS - SEC Watch". Archived from the original on 2011-03-04. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
  24. ↑ "LifeVantage Corp 10-K 2011". sec.edgar-online.com. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  25. ↑ "Employment agreement with Dr. Joe McCord". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. April 1, 2011. Retrieved 2014-09-21.
  26. ↑ "Dr. Joe McCord, LifeVantage Corporation's First Chief Science Officer, Retires from Company Nasdaq:LFVN". Archived from the original on 2015-02-21. Retrieved 2014-09-22.
  27. 1 2 "Form 8-K for LifeVantage Corp". Yahoo.com. June 25, 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2013.
  28. ↑ "Three Cortislim Defendants to Give up $4.5 Million in Cash and Other Assets". Federal Trade Commission. September 21, 2005. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  29. ↑ "LifeVantage Corporation Appoints Shawn Talbott Ph.D. as New Global Chief Science Officer". LifeVantage, Inc. January 7, 2014. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  30. ↑ Shawn M. Talbott (July 13, 2015). "My New Gig?". Shawn M. Talbott Personal Blog. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  31. ↑ "Patent WO 2015164504 A1: Topical compositions and methods for reducing oxidative stress". October 29, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  32. ↑ "Scientific Breakthrough. [Filed 21 July 2011]". Archived from the original on 21 July 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  33. ↑ "The History of Free Radical Biology, Dr. Joe McCord [Filed 17 August 2011]". Archived from the original on 2013-09-27. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  34. ↑ "Inside Protandim: The Paul Myhill Interview [Filed 09 March 2009]". Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  35. ↑ "McCord Rejects Credit for Inventing Protandim [Filed 29 March 2005]". Joe McCord. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  36. ↑ Velmurugan, Kalpana; Alam, Jawed; McCord, Joe M.; Pugazhenthi, Subbiah (2009). "Synergistic induction of heme oxygenase-1 by the components of the antioxidant supplement Protandim". Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 46 (3): 430–40. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2008.10.050. PMID 19056485.
  37. ↑ "Illegal Cancer Treatments: FDA Warning – Fraudulent Claims of Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention or Cure". FDA. 25 April 2017. Archived from the original on 24 April 2018.
  38. ↑ ALSUntangled Group (2015). "ALSUntangled No. 31: Protandim". Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener (Review). 17 (1–2): 154–6. doi:10.3109/21678421.2015.1088707. PMID 26414415. S2CID 207664215.
  39. ↑ Hall, Harriet (11 October 2011). "Pursued by Protandim Proselytizers". Science-Based Medicine. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  40. ↑ "FAQ". protandim.com.
  41. ↑ Hall, Harriet (December 5, 2017). "I Was Wrong about Protandim". Science Based Medicine. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  42. ↑ "LifeVantage Corporation Announces Voluntary Recall and Replacement of Select Lots of Protandim® Dietary Supplement Due to Potential Health Risk" (Press release). 5 December 2012. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
  43. ↑ "Enforcement Report – Week of January 16, 2013". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  44. ↑ "LIFEVANTAGE CORP, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Feb 13, 2013". secdatabase.com. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  45. ↑ Harvey, Tom (2009-12-23). "Supplement company Zrii settles suits against rebellious ex-managers: LifeVantage pays $400,000 in dispute stemming from failed takeover attempt". Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  46. ↑ Burke Hedges V. Lifevantage Corporation, United States District Court for the District of Utah: Civil No. 110918424, October 14, 2011
  47. ↑ Rosen Law Firm (September 16, 2016). "Rosen Law Firm Announces Filing of Securities Class Action Lawsuit Against LifeVantage Corporation – LFVN". Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  48. ↑ "Zhang v LifeVantage et al: Case 2:16-cv-00965-BCW" (PDF). September 15, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  49. ↑ "LifeVantage Announces Dismissal of Class Action Lawsuit". Lifevantage. October 10, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  50. ↑ "Zhang v Lifevantage et al: Memorandum decision and order granting defendants' motion to dismiss". June 15, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  51. ↑ "Sommers Schwartz, P.C. Announces the Filing of a Securities Class Action Claims Against LifeVantage Corp. and Certain of its Executives". Business Wire. February 19, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  52. ↑ "Real Salt Lake unveils new long-term jersey-front partnership with LifeVantage". RealSaltLake.com. October 29, 2013. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
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