SAM-e is a naturally occurring endogenous compound that has been studied for a number of health effects. While synthesized forms of the molecule have been sold as supplements in the United States it has been offered as a prescription drug in some part of Europe.
The compound has been most studied for ameliorating the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. It has also been studied in connection with depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions. And it has purported liver health support attributes.
Higher bioavailability
The form Bonafide has acquired is dubbed MSI-195 and was developed by MSI Methylation Sciences, Inc., a small Canadian pharmaceutical firm. MSI had research showing the formulation was 2.8 times more bioavailable than a comparison commercial SAM-e formulation as measured on an area-under-the-curve basis.
“This unique and potent form of SAM-e has been studied as a potential pharmaceutical product over the past decade with a significant amount of safety, pre-clinical and clinical research supporting the enhanced bioavailability of this compound. We are very enthusiastic about MSI-195 because it has the potential to help women in a number of important areas, including mood,” said Jim Komorowski, Bonafide's chief science officer.
Menopause market
Last year Bonafide conducted consumer research on menopause, which aggregated the symptoms, treatments, and general dispositions of over 1,000 US women ages 40 to 65 in the US.
More than 70% of women reported that they were not currently treating their menopause, which included hot flashes (16%), weight gain (15%), difficulties with sleep (14%), and night sweats (14%), and brain fog (10%).
“While most of these symptoms negatively impact the day-to-day life of menopausal women, 73% of women report they are not currently treating their symptoms and 20% of women experienced such symptoms for 12+ months before even being assessed by an HCP,” said OB/GYN Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Bonafide.
"During my over 25 years in practice as an OB-GYN, I have seen that women want and need non-drug, natural alternatives for the treatment of symptoms from hormonal changes during menopause,” Dr Dweck added.
Bonafide, which launched in 2018, says it now has more than 120,000 customers and a 92% retention rate. The company has five signature natural menopause symptom relief solutions, in addition to a line of everyday vitamins.