Independent Tests Confirm Sports Products Free of Prohibited Ingredients

Pharmanex Press Release
December 19, 2001

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Pharmanex Dietary Supplements Are Found to Be Free of Substances Banned In International Sports Community

PROVO, Utah, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Pharmanex released today the results of independent laboratory tests on 14 of its sports products, confirming the absence of substances posted as 'prohibited' by governing international sports bodies. This demonstrates that Pharmanex® products are in compliance with international standards for doping controls, and will not trigger a positive drug test by athletes.

"Pharmanex has taken this unprecedented step as part of our commitment to the international sports community, to provide accurate information and assistance to athletes, trainers and officials on dietary supplements," said Pharmanex President Joe Chang, Ph.D. ``It is important for our industry to do whatever necessary to reassure athletes that they can take supplements without fear of jeopardizing their careers. I hope other supplement companies will follow our example, and commit to identifying standards for their products."

The 14 products tested, widely used by physically active adults and the amateur and professional athletic communities, included OverDrive®, MuscleFix(TM) (formerly known as Pharmanex HighFive), Creatine Blast®, Sportalyte® Mountain Ice, CordyMax® Cs-4®, Cartilage Formula, Bone Formula, Tegreen 97®, LifePak®, Vitox® and FibreNet®. The products were tested at National Medical Services for all six classes of prohibited substances and their precursors, including anabolic steroids, diuretics, narcotics, stimulants, beta-blockers and peptide hormones. The tests were conducted under the strictest lab conditions. All submitted Pharmanex® products successfully met the criteria.

As a further extension of its commitment to quality, Pharmanex is conducting a series of clinical tests that are being coordinated with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association and other sports organizations. These tests will further substantiate that Pharmanex® products are free from prohibited substances and related compounds. Products selected for this second round of testing will include all those mentioned above, plus the Pharmanex Body Design(TM) meal replacement bars, Sportalyte® X-treme Berry and Life Essentials®. Product samples will be taken from selected lots, and tested for banned substances, in a continuing effort to assure athlete confidence and regulatory compliance.

"The majority of athletes today take some type of supplement to help maintain health and stamina, so it is important that they have clear and accurate information about ingredients to ensure they are free of banned substances,'' said Shawn Talbott, Ph.D., senior scientist of pharmacology and clinical affairs at Pharmanex. ``The sports community recognizes that a large majority of athletes, especially those active in cycling, weightlifting, long distance running (marathons), body building and swimming, take advantage of dietary supplementation. With interest and usage at such high levels, we're attempting to correct some of the misinformation, so that athletes won't be afraid to take vitamins and other supplements with proven benefits."

About Pharmanex
Pharmanex, a Nu Skin Enterprises' company (NYSE: NUS - news), is a leader in research and development of phyto-pharmaceutical and nutritional products. The company has a portfolio of multivitamin/mineral supplements, natural health products, standardized botanicals and specialized health systems. Based in Provo, Utah, Pharmanex® products are sold direct to the consumer through the Internet, a network of independent representatives, as well as a number of independent pharmacies. For additional information, call (800) 487-1000 or visit the company's web site at www.pharmanex.com.

Please note: This press release contains forward-looking statements that represent the company's expectations concerning future events. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results and outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated, including those set forth in the company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Pharmanex

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