NAD Finds Health-Related Claims for Pendulum Glucose Control Medical Probiotic Supported but Recommends Some Modifications

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Mar 03, 2021, 09:00 ET

NEW YORK, March 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that certain claims for Pendulum Glucose Control, manufactured by Pendulum Therapeutics, Inc. to help Type 2 diabetes dietary management, were supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence:

"The only medical probiotic clinically shown to lower A1C & blood glucose spikes for the dietary management of T2D* (*Consult your physician as part of your total diabetes management plan. Results may vary from person to person)"; and
"The only probiotic clinically shown to lower glucose spikes by 33% and reduce A1C levels by 0.6 in people with type 2 diabetes."

However, NAD recommended the following modifications so that the claims more accurately reflect the limitations in the evidence by:

Limiting the claims to individuals who are taking metformin;
Modifying the claims to clarify that the product can be used as part of the dietary management of type 2 diabetes; and
Removing references to percent reductions in blood glucose spikes in the absence of evidence in the record demonstrating that the reductions were clinically relevant.

The claims at issue were challenged as part of NAD's routine monitoring program. During the pendency of the case, the advertiser voluntarily modified many of the challenged claims permanently, therefore, NAD did not review these claims on the merits.

In support of its claims, the advertiser chiefly relied on the Perraudeau Study assessing Pendulum Glucose Control's effectiveness in helping Type 2 diabetes dietary management. NAD determined that this study had some appropriate methodological components (double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, sufficiently large sample size to elicit statistically significant and clinically meaningful results, testing the marketed product, clearly defined endpoints). However, NAD questioned certain aspects of the study related to test population and clinical relevance of the endpoints.

Based on its assessment, NAD determined that the Perraudeau study was a good fit for the challenged claims but recommended the previously noted modifications.

In its advertiser statement, Pendulum Therapeutics, Inc. stated that it "is pleased with NAD's decision and will comply with its recommendations."

All BBB National Programs case decisions can be found in the case decision library.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard. The non-profit organization creates a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers through the development and delivery of effective third-party accountability and dispute resolution programs. Embracing its role as an independent organization since the restructuring of the Council of Better Business Bureaus in June 2019, BBB National Programs today oversees more than a dozen leading national industry self-regulation programs, and continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-directed marketing, and privacy. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD), a division of BBB National Programs, provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.   

SOURCE BBB National Programs