Star Scientific Cites Positive Test Results on Product

Source from:  Times-Dispatch 05/10/2012

Star Scientific Inc. announced more research results Tuesday on anatabine, an alkaloid found in tobacco and related plants that the company uses in two of its dietary-supplement products. The company said research by the Roskamp Institute of Sarasota, Fla., found that anatabine had produced positive results in tests on mice with symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis. Henrico County-based Star Scientific makes alternative smokeless-tobacco products. The company's Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals subsidiary has introduced dietary supplements named Anatabloc and CigRx. The company said the Roskamp Institute research found that dietary supplementation with anatabine resulted in a "dramatic reduction" in the rate of paralysis of hind limbs and inflammation in mice that has been vaccinated with myelin, producing a progressive paralysis similar to multiple sclerosis in humans. Star Scientific announced in March that Anatabloc, a dietary supplement that provides anti-inflammatory support, is being sold nationwide at GNC health and wellness stores. The Roskamp Institute also is conducting research on anatabine's affect on Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Star Scientific share rose 5.7 percent, or 19 cents, to close at $3.53 on the Nasdaq. Enditem