13 October 2000
Media Advisory - Ministry's Lyprinol Appeal Adjourned
THE Auckland High Court today adjourned the hearing into the Ministry of Health's appeal of the fine imposed on former
Lyprinol distributor Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Ministry Senior Enforcement Advisor Stephen Anthony said Justice
Paterson adjourned the appeal hearing because he preferred it to be considered before a full court due to the
seriousness of the issue. A full court involves two judges, instead of one. The Ministry will advise the media when the
new hearing date has been set.
ENDS
For further information contact; Sue McCabe, Ministry of Health Media Advisor, 04 496 2067 or 025 495 989 Internet
Address;http://www.moh.govt.nz
Background Information
The Ministry lodged the appeal on the grounds that the fine of $5150 imposed on Pacific Pharmaceuticals in September was
manifestly inadequate in light of the revenue the company made from its marketing of Lyprinol.
Pacific Pharmaceuticals admitted in an earlier court appearance that it breached section 20 of the Medicines Act 1981
which states that it is an offence to sell, distribute or advertise the availability of a new medicine before the
Minister of Health has consented to such distribution.
It also admitted causing, or permitting to be published a medical advertisement that directly and/or by implication,
claimed that the medicine of the description advertised, namely Lyprinol, would prevent, alleviate, or cure cancer
and/or arthritis. This breached section 58 of the act.
Pacific Pharmaceuticals was the New Zealand distributor of Lyprinol - a green-lipped mussel extract. Lyprinol was
claimed to be effective in the treatment of arthritis and asthma and touted as a possible cure for cancer.
Lyprinol came to the attention of the Ministry of Health in July 1999 when there was coverage in television and
newsprint of a story about the product being a possible cure for cancer.
The product was originally sold as a dietary supplement and, under these regulations, the distributor of the product is
not permitted to make claims that the product may treat or cure any diseases or medical conditions.
To be able to market a product as a medicine, it must first be assessed as to its safety, quality and effectiveness by
Medsafe, the medicines regulatory branch of the Ministry of Health, to be registered on the schedule of permitted
medicines.
ENDS
Sue McCabe Media Advisor Communications DDI: 496 2067 Fax: 496 2010 mailto:sue_mccabe@moh.govt.nz Ministry of Health