Neogen introduces a new thyroid replacement therapy

LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 3, 2005 — Neogen has added a new formulation of thyroid replacement therapy to its quality line of NeogenVet small animal products.

ThyroKare™ (Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets, USP) offers key advantages over existing thyroid hormone products on the market. Neogen’s formulation minimizes product degradation by excluding the use of carbohydrates (e.g., lactose, sucrose, dextrose and starch), which are commonly used as filler ingredients in other thyroid hormone products.

“When we studied the thyroid hormone market, maintaining full product potency throughout the stated shelf life was a major issue that could be improved upon,” said Tracey Reynolds, Veterinary Marketing Manager. “Excluding carbohydrates, which are known to degrade potency, as well as other enhancements, makes ThyroKare the choice for thyroid replacement therapy.”

Other factors used in the formulation of ThyroKare, such as particle size, granulation process, disintegrate selection, selection of active ingredient synthesis and source, excipients, and other proprietary data are utilized to provide a state-of-the-art product that offers optimum stability and reliability.

ThyroKare provides replacement therapy in all conditions of inadequate production of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is the generalized metabolic disease resulting from the deficiency of the thyroid hormones levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3). Levothyroxine sodium will provide levothyroxine (T4) as a substrate for the physiologic deiodination to liothyronine (T3). Administration of levothyroxine sodium alone will result in complete physiologic thyroid replacement.

Hypothyroidism usually occurs in middle-aged and older dogs, although the condition will sometimes be seen in younger dogs of the larger breeds. Neutered animals of either sex are also frequently affected, regardless of age.

Other quality companion animal products offered by Neogen include UriCon™ Tablets, to control urinary incontinence in female dogs; RenaKare™, a potassium supplement; UriKare™, a urinary acidifier; PanaKare™ Plus, a digestive aid to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; and ImmunoRegulin®, an immune stimulant used in the treatment of Staph. pyoderma in dogs.

Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety. Neogen’s Animal Safety Division markets a complete line of diagnostics, veterinary instruments, veterinary pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, disinfectants, and rodenticides.