Lipogen Ltd has attained a US patent for its proprietary phospholipid formulation designed to tackle premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These sometimes debilitating conditions occur in some 15% of pre-menopausal women aged 25-44. The patent was approved for “compositions and methods for alleviating symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).”
PMS is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms occur 1 to 2 weeks before a woman’s period. Up to 80% women report having some symptoms prior to menstruation. These symptoms qualify as PMS in 20% to 30% of pre-menopausal women. According to the Medical University of South Carolina, current available treatments include SSRIs and other drug treatments that treat side effects and can cost from US$60.00 – US$535.00 per month.
More than 200 different symptoms have been associated with PMS, including emotional symptoms such as: stress, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, emotional sensitivity and/or changes in libido. Physical symptoms can include bloating, abdominal cramps, constipation, lower back pain, acne, breast swelling, muscle pain and others.
“When the benefits of phospholipids on PMS and PMDD came to light through Lipogen’s research, we immediately explored its potential,” says David Rutenberg, CEO for Lipogen. “Realizing the significance of this discovery, it encouraged us to further explore a product line for women’s health utilizing Lipogen’s proprietary phospholipid ingredients.”
The previously unrecognised PMS/PMDD benefit of PS Plus came about when 2,000 volunteers received and consumed Lipogen’s PS Plus for brain health and stress management. At the end of the 2-month study, out of 220 women under the age of 40 who consumed the product regularly, 23 women (10.45%) reported that they noticed relief of premenstrual syndromes. They also reported that it helped them sleep better, experience fewer mood swings, fewer hot flashes and reduced stress.
“Based on these strong results, we improved the formulation and applied for a patent in the US market,” explains Rutenberg. “We also have begun an ongoing, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial with daacro GmbH, Trier, Germany, to learn more how Lipogen’s formulation can help alleviate PMS and PMDD symptoms. Our patented solution is made of natural ingredients, is GMO-free, and can save significant health costs over medication alternatives, all with no reported side-effects.”
