Green-lipped Mussel study does not show benefit for asthma

Media Statement
2 July 2012

Green-lipped Mussel study does not show benefit for children’s asthma

Reports suggesting that a recent study found that Lyprinol, an extract of Green-Lipped mussels, is beneficial for children’s asthma are not correct. In fact, the recently published study found that the extract was no better than placebo.

Some reports have stated that the study was conducted by the Asthma Foundation. This is also incorrect: the Asthma Foundation has had no involvement in this study, but, because of this mistake, the Foundation has had a number of requests to comment on the results.

On close review of the study, the claims that Lyprinol has been shown to be beneficial for asthma are not accurate. The study compared Lyprinol with placebo in 71 children with asthma. There was no significant difference in the primary measure of reduction in inhaled steroid use between children treated with placebo and Lyprinol. Nor were there statistically significant differences in any of the four secondary outcome measures reported by the study.

Dr Bob Hancox, Medical Director of the Asthma Foundation said ‘he study found no statistical differences between Lyprinol and placebo, therefore media reports that the study found that Lyprinol improved children's asthma are exaggerated and misrepresent the published findings of the study.’

The most accurate interpretation of the findings of this study is that Lyprinol has not been found to be beneficial for children’s asthma. Based on this evidence, the Asthma Foundation does not recommend Lyprinol for treating asthma in children.

The Foundation has obtained an independent opinion on the findings of the study and this confirms that this study did not show any benefit from Lyprinol.

The study was funded by Lyprinol manufacturer Pharmalink International. It may have been too small to detect significant differences between the Lyprinol and placebo group (Internet Journal of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology2012; 27 June online). A sample size of 120 patients (60 in each group) was needed however only 71 children aged six to 13 years completed the seven-month protocol: 36 who took two Lyprinol capsules a day for four months and 35 who took placebo.

Visit our website for more information or contact one of our 17 affiliated Societies and Trusts.
www.asthmafoundation.org.nz.

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