New research confirms benefits of chondroitin for osteoarthritis
27 February 2015 –
The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) today welcomed new research that confirmed the benefits of chondroitin sulphate for osteoarthritis.
A Cochrane Review of 9,110 people across 43 randomised controlled studies revealed that chondroitin sulphate (alone or in combination with glucosamine) was better than placebo in improving pain in participants with osteoarthritis in short term studies. The review also revealed a slight slowing of the narrowing of the joint space on X-rays of the affected joint, and improved quality of life, using an index which included measures of pain, function and disability.
Chondroitin sulphate was found to have a lower risk of adverse events compared with control.
ASMI Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Director, Mr Steve Scarff, said:
“ASMI welcomes new research that adds to the body of knowledge on complementary medicines.
“Evidence about the efficacy and safety of complementary medicines is important so that consumers can be confident of the claims made about them.
“This Cochrane Review is a great way of making sense of a large number of studies, helping consumers and other stakeholders to understand the benefits of chondroitin sulphate in osteoarthritis,” Mr Scarff added.

ASMI welcomes Complementary Medicines Review
23 February 2015 –

The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) today welcomed the Federal Government’s Review of complementary medicines.
ASMI Executive Director, Dr Deon Schoombie, said:
“This is a great opportunity to get the right regulatory settings for complementary medicines, which are taken by 70% of Australians.
“ASMI urges the Federal Government to apply the COAG principle of ‘minimum effective regulation’ to the regulation of low risk medicines such as complementary medicines, while maintaining appropriate safety standards for consumers.
“ASMI believes there are a range of areas that would benefit from regulatory reform, including for example, policy relating to new ingredients, Good Manufacturing Practice and advertising, amongst others.

“The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) should accept low risk ingredients approved by comparable overseas regulators as part of streamlining new ingredient approvals and increasing access for consumers.
“ASMI supports the maintenance of Good Manufacturing Practice principles but urges the TGA to provide clearer guidance materials for lowest-risk products and align clearance frequency with overseas agency audits.
“ASMI advocates for an improved system for pre approving advertising and complaints handling.
“ASMI looks forward to providing a detailed submission covering a range of regulatory reform proposals that will ensure the right settings for Australia’s complementary medicines regulatory framework,” he added.