Commercialism, choice and consumer protection: regulation of complementary medicines in Australia

To the Editor: I am writing in response to the recent article by Harvey and colleagues about complementary medicines in Australia.1

Business Development and Regulatory Affairs Department, Rottapharm SpA, Monza, Italy.

Correspondence: antonino.santoro@rottapharm.com

1. Harvey KJ, Korczak VS, Marron LJ, Newgreen DB. Commercialism, choice and consumer protection: regulation of complementary medicines in Australia. Med J Aust 2008; 188: 21-25. <MJA full text>
2. Reginster JY. The efficacy of glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis: financial and nonfinancial conflict of interest. Arthritis Rheum 2007; 56: 2105-2110.
3. Reginster JY, Deroisy R, Rovati LC, et al. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet 2001; 357: 251-256.
4. Herrero-Beaumont G, Ivorra JA, Del Carmen Trabado M, et al. Glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using acetaminophen as a side comparator. Arthritis Rheum 2007; 56: 555-567.
5. Altman RD, Abramson S, Bruyere O, et al. Commentary: osteoarthritis of the knee and glucosamine. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2006; 14: 963-966.
6. Vlad SC, LaValley MP, McAlindon TE, et al. Glucosamine for pain in osteoarthritis: why do trial results differ? Arthritis Rheum 2007; 56: 2267-2277.

Online responses are no longer available. Please refer to our instructions for authors page for more information.