PISCATAWAY, N.J., Sept 05, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Sabinsa Corporation, a manufacturer and supplier of high quality herbal extracts, cosmeceuticals, minerals and specialty fine chemicals, has been granted permission by the Drugs Controller General of India to manufacture and market Ocufors(TM), an ophthalmic solution containing one percent forskolin, for the treatment of glaucoma. This is the first time that the government of India has approved a product developed from natural sources for use as a pharmaceutical grade drug.

"Research and development has always been strength and focus for Sabinsa, and through our ongoing efforts we were able to develop this stable, water- soluble forskolin solution that has been shown in clinical trials to be 30 percent more effective than the most popular glaucoma treatment on the world market today," noted Dr. Muhammed Majeed, founder and CEO, Sabinsa Corporation. "It is an honor to receive this approval, which speaks highly about our stringent safety, efficacy and quality standards, which we apply to all of our ingredients whether they be prescription grade, generic commodities or our branded offerings."

Glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the optic nerve, often caused by increased pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma affects more than 50 million individuals worldwide and is the second leading cause of blindness across the globe. Ocufors, which is administered as an eye drop, offers an effective treatment for glaucoma with few to no side effects because it is a natural product. Sabinsa is currently seeking registration for Ocufors in the U.S., Europe and Australia.

Sabinsa currently holds U.S. Patent #6,960,300 surrounding the process for preparing Ocufors, as well as its application. The invention describes methods to prepare clear solutions of diterpenes, such as forskolin and its congeners that are sparingly soluble or insoluble in water, for convenient use in ophthalmic preparations as well as in topical, oral, injectable and other dosage forms, for human and veterinary use.

The active ingredient in Ocufors, forskolin, is derived from the herb Coleus forskohlii, a plant native to subtropical and warm temperate habitats, and a member of the mint family. Coleus forskohlii is the only known plant source of forskolin, which has traditionally been used to increase lean body mass and optimize body composition. Sabinsa holds U.S. Patent #5,804,596 and European Patent # EP0977564 for the use of forskolin as a weight management ingredient and currently the company has approximately 10,000 acres dedicated to the cultivation of Coleus forskohlii across various regions in India.
Sabinsa Corporation, founded in 1988, is a manufacturer and supplier of herbal extracts, cosmeceuticals, minerals and specialty fine chemicals. Sabinsa's mission is to provide alternative and complementary natural products for human nutrition and well-being. Over the past nine years, Sabinsa has brought to market more than 30 standardized botanical extracts and privately funded several clinical studies in conjunction with prestigious institutions in support of these products. With more than 100 scientists working full time conducting ongoing research both in India and the United States, Sabinsa continues to develop and patent phytonutrients for the world market. All products intended for human consumption are certified Kosher. For more information visit www.sabinsa.com.