Novartis

Company files GRAS notification with FDA Jan. 28 for use of tall oil phytosterols as a nutrient "in vegetable oil spreads to reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the gastrointestinal tract at a level up to 12% free phytosterols." The notification relates to Phytrol, an ingredient licensed from Forbes Medi-Tech in Canada. Novartis and Forbes are aiming to bring Phytrol-containing products to market by mid-2000 (1"The Tan Sheet" Nov. 22, 1999, p. 4). FDA attempts to respond to such notifications within a 90-day timeframe