AL 721 (R) -- Trademark Confusion

Ethigen Corporation of Los Angeles, CA called to remind us that the name "AL 721" is their registered trademark, and should not be used to refer generically to egg lecithin products. We had used it that way in recent articles.
In the future we will use "egg lecithin lipids" to refer generically to egg lecithin products (including AL 721) in which the 7:2:1 ratio of NL, PC, and PE is present or intended, and "AL 721" to refer to the Ethigen product.
There is more confusion. Ethigen Corp. will also introduce the same product under a new trademark name, "Altrigen", for over-the-counter sales in the U.S. It will continue to be called "AL 721" in clinical trials, and in Europe, where it is now available by prescription in England, although it cannot be promoted there until trials are complete.
The "Altrigen" name apparently resulted from a compromise with the FDA, which objects to products being sold as food supplements if they are also in clinical trials for approval as a drug. Ethigen will be allowed to sell its remaining stocks which are already labeled as "AL 721". Until recently, Ethigen was unable to speak publicly about this situation, due to its negotiations with the FDA.
You can order AL 721 (which will soon be called Altrigen) from Ethigen by calling 800/752-5721. You can obtain generic products through buyers' clubs (see list in AIDS Treatment News #69), or from some health-food stores.
EDITORIAL NOTE: The current situation with egg lecithin lipids is complex, ambiguous, and controversial. There is much speculation (but no compelling proof from scientific human trials) about whether this treatment works at all, or whether any particular version works best.
Our impression from talking with persons using this treatment, plus what little scientific clinical information is available, is that egg lecithin lipids are a significant help to some people. But we have also heard several reports of growing skepticism among physicians and others in New York, where more people are using the lipids than anywhere else. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
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