TSI’s Arthriex boasts “highest OTC dose of glucosamine in UK”

06 Nov 2020 --- Glucosamine supplier TSI has released Arthriex, which it says is the only over-the-counter (OTC), full-strength glucosamine formulation on the UK market today.

The pharmaceutical-grade supplement targeting osteoarthritis is now on shelves following a 2018 change in how glucosamine supplements are classified. This had led to the disappearance of high-dosage glucosamine supplements from retail shelves, according to TSI.

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease for which there are few treatments and some four million people in the UK suffer from today, according to the glucosamine manufacturer.  

However, high doses of glucosamine may be effective at managing some symptoms.

TSI reports that four million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis. Arthriex is positioned as having the highest dose of OTC glucosamine approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to “relieve the symptoms of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.” 

Approval by the MHRA gives the product a unique osteoarthritis claim. 

“We hope that this release will educate and encourage patients to seek out high-quality, clinically substantiated glucosamine, creating better awareness of the correct dosage of glucosamine,” Mike Sunderland, Arthriex product manager, tells NutritionInsight.

Changing classifications 
In 2018, the MHRA declared supplements with a base glucosamine level equal to or greater than 1,178 mg per day would be classified as medicines rather than supplements. 

Arthriex film-coated tablets are the first OTC glucosamine products to be sold in pharmacies at the full-strength of 1500 mg level of glucosamine sulfate (consisting of a 1,178 mg base of glucosamine). 

Sunderland explains that achieving OTC status was “a long and very complex process.” 

“It included developing an extensive drug dossier, demonstrating the safety, quality and dosage efficacy, for the MHRA’s review and approval.” 

More to the market
Sunderland acknowledges that it is possible for competitors to release similar dosage-level products. However, he believes that being the first brand to market is of the greatest importance.

He continues that TSI’s expertise and history of glucosamine production gave the company a distinct advantage at achieving this high-dose, OTC milestone. Glucosamine can be sourced from shellfish exoskeletons and is a common ingredient to address joint health.  

“We are the only company that manufactures both raw glucosamine and finished products. We understand all aspects of ingredient supply and product development.” 

Glucosamine can be sourced from chitin from shellfish exoskeletons or from TSI’s patented direct fermentation method from glucose, notes Sunderland. 

In addition to the film-coated tablets, TSI produces glucosamine products in multiple finished product formats, including capsules, powders, soft chews, ready-to-drink, sachets, soft gels, effervescents, creams and gels. 

Advances in mobility
Glucosamine, along with the ingredient chondroitin, has been a staple in joint health for many years. The two were recently spotlighted as ingredients that are increasingly being combined with other ingredients. 

Further in supplements for osteoarthritis, collagen has gained increased attention for its potential to relieve joint pain as well as natural botanicals, such as devil’s claw or CBD.

By Missy Green