TSI’s Arthriex, a high-dose, pharmaceutical glucosamine product approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to relieve the symptoms of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, is now available over the counter, exclusively at all 2,500 Boots UK locations.
Arthriex film-coated tablets have been granted OTC (“P”) status, providing 1500mg of glucosamine sulfate at a price similar to food supplement brands containing lesser amounts of glucosamine, which are the only other OTC option for UK consumers.
“Arthriex gives Boots UK pharmacies a distinct advantage because they can now offer customers the quality benefits of a pharmaceutical glucosamine with a distinct osteoarthritis claim,” said Arthriex Product Manager Mike Sunderland.
“TSI is the first and only glucosamine manufacturer to achieve an OTC status for our product, which was a long and very complex process. That included developing an extensive drug dossier, demonstrating the safety, quality and dosage efficacy, for the MHRA’s review and approval,” said Sunderland.
“Only TSI was capable of accomplishing this. We are the only company that manufactures both raw glucosamine and finished products. We understand all aspects of ingredient supply and product development. Not only were we the first to manufacture glucosamine, but we have almost two decades of in-house research and experience creating finished products from our raw materials.”
The company says this development will be particularly helpful to its retail pharmacy customers. “Because glucosamine-based products are one of the food supplement market’s leading categories, TSI believes that a “P” status OTC-licensed glucosamine represents a significant marketing opportunity for retail pharmacies. They will now be able to offer customers the option of buying a high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade product for their osteoarthritis.”
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.