Charges laid over mussel extract

Eighteen charges have been laid against two companies and some of their staff over the sale, distribution and advertising of the green-lipped mussel extract Lyprinol.

News of its potential to cure cancer was released from an Australian university days before the product was launched on to the New Zealand market last July.

Widespread condemnation followed of what was seen by many as a cynical marketing attempt, and the product was soon withdrawn by the Ministry of Health, which said Lyprinol had been promoted as a medicine, but had not been proven to be one.

The withdrawal came after New Zealanders rushed pharmacies and reportedly spent $2 million in one day on the $49.95 packets of 50 capsules.

Ministry spokesman Dr Stuart Jessamine yesterday refused to name the companies, but said the charges were laid under a section of the Medicines Act regulating the sale or supply of new medicines.

Most charges related to the selling, or attempted sale, of the product before official approval had been given.

Some defendants had also been charged with advertising a medicine in breach of the act.

A lawyer for the defendants, Frank Hogan, said the charges would be vigorously defended but refused to comment further.