Osteoarhritis generally referred to as Arthritis 

Knees, Hips and Wrists 

• 12 Million People in South Africa are suffering with Osteoarthritis (1 out of 5 of all South Africans) 

• 1 out of 3 South Africans are struggling with Joint Related Diseases 

• Osteoarthritis is a disease of synovial joints, characterized by the progressive deterioration and loss of articular cartilage, along with structural and functional changes in the entire joint, including the synovium, meniscus (in the knee), periarticular ligaments, and subchondral bone.

• Increased pro-inflammatory biomarkers cause chronic inflammation.

• This results in chronic joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and bone enlargement or erosion.

• The cause (etiology) of osteoarthritis is unknown.
• Although the pathogenesis (progress and development) of the disease is well understood, the exact cause remains unidentified.

• There is no cure for osteoarthritis.

• It is a degenerative disease and a growing problem worldwide.

• Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic disability in people over 70 years old.

• It is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in people aged 65 and older.

• The disease causes chronic pain and stiffness, significantly impairing quality of life.

• The WHO has declared osteoarthritis a priority disease.

• Women are at significant risk, with 60% of patients being women.

• The market is flooded with products of questionable quality and limited to moderate proof of efficacy.

The Cartilage is connective tissue that covers and protects the bones in the joint area. It cushions the joint and provides a smooth, lubricated surface for articulation and movement.

• In the absence of a cure for joint-related diseases like osteoarthritis, there is an enormous need for safe and effective alternatives.
• Allopathic medicines control pain and inflammation effectively but are not safe for chronic use.
• A product that is both safe and effective for long-term use could greatly support such patients.
• Protection and movement are key to long-term joint health, and more people are seeking natural alternatives to support them.

Flexofend™ is an award-winning supplement for joint health.
Only one capsule a day provides people with 3x Joint Defense:

• Protects joints against further damage
• Reduces stiffness
• Reduces pain

Flexofend™ protects your joints while enhancing movement.

Flexofend™ contains 500 mg of NEM® (Eggshell Membrane), which provides a natural matrix of bioactive molecules such as:

• Proteins, including collagen (Types I, V, and X)
• Naturally occurring glycosaminoglycans, including glucosamine, chondroitin, keratan sulfate, and hyaluronic acid

The collagen and other proteins work together with the glycosaminoglycans to help support a healthy inflammatory response.

The active ingredient, NEM®, is a source of these powerful bioactive molecules, which work synergistically to promote healthy joints.

• Individuals experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or discomfort.
• Those seeking to protect their joints from further damage and support long-term joint health.
• People looking for a natural, safe, and effective alternative for chronic joint care.
• Anyone aiming to enhance joint movement and improve overall quality of life.

• One capsule daily: Simple and convenient dosage.
• One active ingredient: Powered by 500 mg of NEM®, a natural eggshell membrane.
• Fast-acting relief: 70% of patients feel noticeable improvement within 10 days.
• Dual action: Protects joints and enhances movement by reducing pain and stiffness.
• Award-winning product: Recognized for its excellence in joint health.
• Natural and safe: Free from harmful side effects, suitable for long-term use.
• Clinically backed: Supported by 16 clinical studies published in reputable medical journals.
• Unique research: The only joint health supplement with a published clinical trial conducted on healthy subjects.

• Take one capsule daily with water.
• For best results, use consistently as part of your daily routine.
• No need to adjust dosage; Flexofend™ is designed for convenient, once-a-day use.

NEM®, the active ingredient in Flexofend™, won the Frost & Sullivan Award in North America for the Best Joint Health Supplement in its category.

The award was given in recognition of its:

• Fast-acting results
• Safety and natural formulation
• Extensive scientific backing, supported by numerous published clinical studies proving its efficacy.

• Leading pharmacies
• Takealot
• Via the official webpage: www.flexofend.co.za

• It works exceptionally well for their patients.
• The symptomatic relief of the product.
• Strong published clinical trials contribute to the trustworthiness of the product.
• Affordable.
• Medical aids endorsed.
• Unique in the sense that it concurrently protects and enhances movement.
• Significant decrease in concurrent analgesic use.

Inflammation is now well accepted as a feature of osteoarthritis, but we have known about this for 40 years; we just chose to ignore some of the published literature. In a paper published in 1975, George Ehrlich described a cohort of predominantly menopausal females who presented with a deforming and inflammatory OA, some of whom went on to develop changes characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The pioneering work that Ehrlich did in this area was well recognized by the WHO because of his work for the organization in New York, but his contributions have gained more recognition in recent years, especially after his death in 2014.

Many recent studies have shown the presence of synovitis in osteoarthritis patients and demonstrated a direct association between joint inflammation and disease progression.

(Mobasheri et al., 2016, Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 59, 2016: 333–339)

• NEM® reduces several biomarkers responsible for the deformation of cartilage and fibrous tissue, demonstrating a substantial chondroprotective effect:

  • COMP
  • CTX-II
  • IL-1ß
  • TNF-α
  • CRP

  In vivo and human clinical studies demonstrate the action of reducing levels of CTX-II, a recognized biomarker of Type II collagen degradation (the predominant collagen type found in cartilage tissue).

  Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) is a non-collagen protein of the articular cartilage matrix synthesized by chondrocytes and synovial cells. COMP, a well-known cartilage degradation biomarker, significantly decreased during NEM® supplementation.
  Supplementation with NEM® has been shown to promote joint health in women.

• Flexofend™ has demonstrated a significant reduction in stiffness in three open-label and three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
• In a recently completed clinical trial involving healthy individuals, a significant reduction in exercise-induced stiffness was demonstrated in just 4 days.
• In vivo and in vitro studies show that Flexofend™ may promote a healthy inflammatory response. These studies consistently reveal NEM®’s selective action in reducing a broad range of pro-inflammatory substances often associated with joint inflammation, such as TNF-α, and both serum and synovial IL-1β.
• NEM® supplementation has also been shown to decrease levels of the inflammatory marker CRP.
• Additionally, NEM® has been shown to influence the gene transcription factor NF-κB, which plays a fundamental role in the functioning of the immune system and occurs very early in the inflammatory cascade.

• A new study in a healthy population shows that NEM® may help provide a rapid reduction of exercise-induced joint aches and pains.
• A 2017 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) in a healthy population revealed NEM®’s ability to reduce joint pain associated with exercise in healthy individuals in just 8 days.
• NEM® is the first dietary ingredient that has been shown to reduce exercise-induced pain in truly healthy subjects.
• It has also demonstrated a significant reduction in pain in 7–10 days in osteoarthritis patients in 6 published clinical trials.

• The active ingredient is manufactured in an NSF-certified GMP facility with an environmentally friendly patented process.
• The final product is formulated in a GMP SAHPRA-approved facility.

No interactions with any medication have been documented during 16 clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance in several countries.

FLEXOFEND™ contains eggshell membrane, a natural food-sourced ingredient, and it should be safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Patients with a known egg allergy should consult their doctor or pharmacist prior to using FLEXOFEND™. 

NEM® does not have the concerning side effects associated with other treatments, such as analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and inflammatory cytokine-specific biologicals.