JayMac Pharmaceuticals Recognizes National Infertility Awareness Week

SUNSET, La., April 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- April 19th begins National Infertility Awareness Week, and JayMac Pharmaceuticals is shedding
light on an often overlooked area: male infertility and the need for folate therapy.

Approximately 2 million men suffer from infertility. In fact, in developed countries, up to 70% of infertility
experienced by couples trying to conceive can be attributed to male reproductive issues. Many
studies have uncovered one such issue as the presence of the MTHFR gene abnormality being
the source of what is termed idiopathic male infertility.

DNA, MTHFR, & Homocysteine

MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase) is the enzyme encoded for the metabolism of
folate. Folate is a critical component of DNA methylation and synthesis. The presence of the
MTHFR enzyme abnormality occurs in about 60% of the general population and can result in as
much as a 70% reduction in the ability of the enzyme to metabolize folate to the necessary form
to fuel the DNA methylation cycle. This impaired DNA methylation can cause abnormal male
sexual development and reproductive performance.

A further consequence of impaired folate metabolism is the buildup of the amino acid
homocysteine, as the metabolism of homocysteine is folate-dependent. Homocysteine is
implicated in a wide array of health conditions including infertility and pregnancy complication
and loss. Folate therapy in the form of diverse, unique, and brain-ready components is
critical to the reduction of homocysteine and completion of the DNA remethylation cycle.
 
A recent study published in 2014 in Ege Journal of Medicine found a strong correlation between
the presence of the MTHFR polymorphism and idiopathic male infertility: "DNA methylation is
necessary for spermatogenesis. C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene increased the DNA
hypomethylation and affects the differentiation of the germ cells. MTHFR C677T polymorphism
reduced the enzymatic activity and increased the homocysteine levels. High level of
homocysteine can lead to auto-oxidation which can damage the germ line DNA and sperm
plasma membrane."
 
About JayMac Pharmaceuticals
 
JayMac Pharmaceuticals, LLC, based in Sunset, Louisiana, is expanding its prescription
folate product line to specifically address the needs of patients facing male and female
infertility and high risk pregnancy due to genetic polymorphisms (MTHFR), high
homocysteine, and low folate levels. The new folate product is projected to be available
June 2015.