Executive Summary

Dietary supplements containing the patented compound Lepitrim are expected to reach the market through direct sellers by the end of the first quarter of 2006, Imagenetix announces. Expansion to mass market distribution is expected in the second quarter. The San Diego, Calif.-based firm signed a licensing agreement with the University of Minnesota and will market the ingredient as a raw material, according to a Nov. 16 announcement. Lepitrim lowers levels of leptin, a hormone that causes fat storage. When leptin levels are low, fat is released to be burned as energy by the body, Imagenetix says. A one-month supply is expected to cost $55 - $65. The firm is submitting structure/function claims that include "Assists in lowering body fat" and "Promotes the reduction of stored fat by increasing fatty acid utilization in the fat cell"...