Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the endorsement of ergothioneine by the chairman of Kelun Pharmaceutical has sparked significant public debate and impacted the stock market, with experts questioning the product's claims and regulatory status [1][4][9]. Group 1: Company Response and Claims - Kelun Pharmaceutical asserts that it has provided sufficient scientific evidence to support the anti-aging effects of ergothioneine [1][6]. - The company emphasizes that ergothioneine is recognized internationally as a dietary supplement rather than a drug, countering claims that it is a "fake drug" [6][9]. - The product has not received registration or certification from the National Market Supervision Administration, meaning it cannot legally claim health benefits in China [1][11]. Group 2: Market Impact - Following the controversy, the stock prices of Kelun Pharmaceutical and its affiliated companies experienced declines, with drops of 4.96%, 1.98%, and 7.58% on June 5 [4][6]. - Prior to the backlash, the stock prices had risen significantly, with increases of 16.75%, 12.22%, and 9.18% around the time of the advertisement release [4]. Group 3: Expert Criticism - Biologist Rao Yi criticized the lack of evidence supporting the claims made in the advertisement, stating that if ergothioneine were effective, it would have received approval from regulatory authorities [2][4]. - Rao Yi's response to the company's rebuttal highlighted the need for the manufacturer to prove the product's efficacy rather than shifting the burden of proof to critics [2][6]. Group 4: Regulatory Status - Ergothioneine has not yet been approved as a new food ingredient in China, and its marketing as a health product is currently unregulated [11]. - The absence of a "blue hat" certification indicates that the product does not meet the necessary standards to be classified as a health supplement in China [9][11].
饶毅、科伦药业,隔空交锋