Prescription Fish Oil – Straddling the Fence

Guest Blog by Peter Leighton

In my career I have straddled the fence between biotech/pharma and nutraceutical, working in senior management in both sectors.

The question about an FDA approved prescription fish oil versus an OTC fish oil supplement hits me like the fence as my feet slip mid-straddle.

Everything you Need to Know About Prescription Fish Oil

Part 1: Do you Need Prescription Fish Oil Pills? Part 2: How Different is Prescription Fish Oil from Supplements? Part 3:A Side-by-Side Comparison of Prescription Fish Oil (Lovaza) versus Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil Supplements Part 4: Prescription Fish Oil vs. Supplements: An Expert Dietitian’s Opinion

Natrual Bioactive Compounds

For years we have known about natural bioactive compounds that can be as effective as pharmaceutical drugs for various ailments, usually without the devastating side effects.

We have yearned to be able to state the facts, demonstrated in clinical research, about these natural compounds. But the vested interests of the FDA and huge pharmaceutical companies have relegated nutraceuticals to a third class status, considered only “dietary supplements”. Required to carry the moniker “These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and this product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any disease” like a scarlet letter, dietary supplements relied upon word-of-mouth to gain a following.

In my article on preventative healthcare, I delve into the issues surrounding the marginalization of nutraceuticals, stating:

“In a true democracy, when the light of truth illuminates the injustices of the many, the chemistry of change begins. For too long Americans have been numbed into acquiescence by our affluence and dumbed into indifference by our legislative complexity”.

Pharma – more profitable than oil companies

While pharmaceutical manufacturers rank among the nation’s most profitable industries (profit as a percentage of revenue), with profits of 15.8% compared to 5.7% for all Fortune 500 firms, including the oil companies, there is another side that must be recognized.

Treating, not preventing disease

One of the big criticisms placed on Big Pharma is that most of their products treat disease but don’t prevent disease. Yet GlaxoSmithKline’s Lovaza fish oil is a shining example of a drug that not only treats triglycerides, but prevents CVD.

I feel compelled to give GSK a big “Atta Boy” pat on the back for marketing a product that we can all be proud of; a drug with no significant side effects and exceptional safety. How can I pile on GSK when this is a model that all pharmaceutical companies should be following?

I am happy to see Lovaza succeed and GSK build a franchise in this market segment. It should be an eye opening example for other pharma companies.

Educated consumers still win big as they realize that there are nutraceutical products available with nearly identical efficacy and quality standards as Lovaza, for much lower costs.

Perhaps one day the fence will be torn down between nutraceuticals and pharma, allowing consumers real freedom.

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About the Author: Peter Leighton is a principal at Natural Discoveries LLC, which recently launched a novel ecommerce site www.abundahealth.com that features new and innovative functional health products based on sound science, and a B-B web portal www.nutritionalfinds.com, which finds and advances the commercialization of novel bioactives, technologies and nutraceuticals. Leighton has been responsible for the development and launch of some of the leading nutraceutical products on the market. He has held senior executive positions with companies such as Advana Science, Natrol, Galileo Laboratories, Weider Nutrition, InterHealth Nutraceuticals, and is the founder of Copernican Associates.

Read his blog at www.leightonpost.com.

Twitter: @leightonpost.

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