Nutrition 21, Purchase, NY, and Diabetex Corporation, Old Saybrook, CT, have formed an alliance to conduct a clinical study to test Diachrome™, a patented combination of chromium picolinate and biotin. The research study aims to further confirm the efficacy of Diachrome as an adjunct nutritional therapy to prescription medication for people with Type II diabetes. The initial point of collaboration will be a 600 patient double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in people with type II diabetes to confirm the benefits of Diachrome on management of glucose and cholesterol levels, when used in conjunction with pharmaceutical treatments. The study is expected to be completed in June 2004.

In other news, Nutrition 21 has partnered with Leiner Health Products, Carson, CA, to test market its Lite Bites® Fat Fighting System nutrition bars, previously distributed exclusively through QVC Home Shopping Network, in Sam’s Club stores. The initial test is being conducted in 50 Sam’s Club stores in 16 states, and contingent on success, plans call for the product to be introduced into all 509 Sam’s Club stores nationwide.