Donell™, Inc., a privately-held cosmeceutical company, was founded in 1989 as the first company to develop and distribute topical non-steroidal products with the key ingredient, a mucopolysaccharide-cartilage complex (MCC). The inspiration for the company was the decades of research and published literature spearheaded by Dr. John F. Prudden, "Father of Cartilage Therapy," on the significant pharmacological properties of cartilage. As an Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, he discovered its ability to accelerate wound healing, as well as its potent anti-inflammatory effects when used systemically and topically, and its capability to help reduce signs of skin aging. The company knew it could make a significant contribution to dermatology and plastic surgery by providing skin care products with the highest degree of efficacy and quality, which are also safe and easy to use over prolonged periods of time with no side effects. Originally sold as Catrix® products, so named for the particular brand of cartilage being used, the name was changed to Donell™ Skin Savers in 1997 when a more efficacious processed cartilage was found.Today the products are sold throughout the U.S., western and eastern Europe and the Middle East.