The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania (AFT) is warning Tasmanian schools and parents that
Lyprinol – an extract from green-lipped mussels – is an ineffective treatment for children’s
asthma.
The Foundation has been informed that some parents are under the impression that Lyprinol
can be used as a replacement for doctor-prescribed medication for the treatment of asthma.
AFT Chief Executive Officer Cathy Beswick said using Lyprinol as a replacement for doctorprescribed
asthma medication could have very serious consequences for some children.
“We’re not sure where this misunderstanding sprang from, but what we do know is that a
review of a study published in 2012 by the Internet Journal of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology,
found Lyprinol is ineffective in the treatment of asthma,” Mrs Beswick said.
“The incorrect belief that Lyprinol could treat asthma was further reinforced by a mistaken
perception that the study’s claims were endorsed by the Asthma Foundation of New Zealand
(AFNZ), but this was flatly denied by AFNZ in a media statement from July 2012.
“The statement verified that the most accurate interpretation of the findings was that Lyprinol
had not been found to be beneficial for children’s asthma.
“It also revealed that AFNZ had obtained an independent opinion on the findings, confirming
that the study did not show any benefit from Lyprinol and that it had been funded by Lyprinol’s
manufacturer Pharmalink International.
“Consequently, the Asthma Foundation of Tasmania would like to make it clear that under no
circumstances should Lyprinol be used as a replacement medication for treating anyone with
asthma.”
For further advice and information about asthma management and medications for children,
please call the Asthma Foundation of Tasmania’s free helpline on 1800 ASTHMA (278 462),
make a face-to-face consultation with one of our asthma educators or visit our website at:
www.asthmatas.org.au.
The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania
