Cytodyne Signs Over Brands to Phoenix Labs

HICKSVILLE, N.Y.-Evergood Products Corp., the parent company of contract manufacturer Phoenix Laboratories, announced June 16 it acquired all licensing and marketing rights to Cytodyne's products, including Xenadrine and MyoBlast. According to Steve Stern, an executive with Phoenix Labs, the companies were in discussion for a while before finalizing the agreement May 23.

Under the agreement, all business and operations regarding Cytodyne will now be conducted and handled as Cytodyne LLC from the existing Phoenix Labs facility in New York. Phoenix Labs previously served as Cytodyne's exclusive manufacturer of all products except powders and bars. Stern noted some personnel would be relocating from Manasquan, N.J., to work with Phoenix Labs; however, Cytodyne's founder Robert Chinery will only assist in the transition of operations and Cytodyne will now exist only as a licensing entity.

"The philosophy of the old regime will continue as will all the good science and outstanding product efficacy," Chinery said in a news release. "We expect Phoenix Labs to maintain the same high standards and continuity in the manufacturing, distribution, marketing, advertising and sales of Cytodyne brand products while adding to the mix their cutting-edge product development team."

Cytodyne has been in hot water as of late concerning its ephedra products. On May 30, a California court ordered the company to pay $12.5 million in consumer restitution for allegedly misleading consumers with advertising for its Xenadrine RFA-1 product. Days later, the parents of major-league baseball player Steve Bechler announced plans to sue Cytodyne and Phoenix Labs for wrongful death and product liability stemming from Bechler's death, allegedly linked to Xenadrine intake. However, Stern said the timing of the legal agreement had nothing to do with the ephedra concerns.

Evergood Products operates a number of businesses in the nutritional supplement industry. Out of Hicksville, N.Y.,the company runs Phoenix Labs, Bodyonics (makers of Pinnacle brand dietary supplements) and Great Earth Companies.