ENCINITAS, Calif. — DRJ Group Inc., the maker of Stopain all-natural topical analgesics, is continuing its support of the Arthritis Foundation by renewing its proceeds sponsorship.

The company said Wednesday that for the next year, it has agreed to donate a percentage of each purchase of Stopain to support the foundation’s efforts to improve the lives of people living with arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. DRJ Group will make a minimum contribution of $25,000.

"We see the mission of the Arthritis Foundation as a crucial health issue," Bob Miller, vice president of sales and marketing for DRJ Group, said in a statement. "One in five adults in the United States reports having doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Arthritis impacts the ability of people to function and the pain from the disease is a serious quality of life issue.

"Our company mission is to help chronic pain sufferers manage their pain so they can lead richer, more active lives," Miller added. "We believe that working in cooperation with the Arthritis Foundation will help this become a reality."

DRJ Group said that earlier this year its support for the Arthritis Foundation began appearing on Stopain labels. The labels read in part, "Your purchase benefits the Arthritis Foundation. For every unit of Stopain products sold, DRJ Group Inc. will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Arthritis Foundation with a minimum contribution of $25,000 to help people take control of arthritis."

"We appreciate the continued support of DRJ Group," commented Rick Bell, managing director of cause development with the Arthritis Foundation. "We are proud that our mission is so valued by industry-leading corporate citizens."

DRJ Group said Stopain products include the top-selling spray and the top-selling roll-on in the topical analgesics category. The active ingredient in Stopain is menthol, which the company said is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as an analgesic that provides temporary relief from minor pains and stiffness of arthritis, muscle aches, strains and simple backaches.

Stopain is available nationally in over 25,000 independent pharmacies and chain drug stores, including Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and Walmart.