Written by Tim Rigby
If it weren’t for EAS (Experimental & Applied Sciences), the entire creatine explosion since the mid ‘90s may not have happened. Although the brand became synonymous with Bill Phillips, publisher of Muscle Media 2000 (MM2K), it was actually founded by biochemist Anthony Almada and entrepreneur Ed Byrd in 1992 in Pacific Grove, California. The pair had heard of the potential ergogenic effects of creatine – particularly with regard to muscle contractile strength. So they purchased a kilogram (2.2 pounds) and began experimental trials. In 1993, having seen reliable and positive results from creatine supplementation, especially through a well-known study at Memphis State University, they hit the market with their renowned “Phosphagen” brand of creatine
It didn’t take long for Bill Phillips to get in the picture. Leveraging his Natural Supplement Review plus subscriber-based newsletters, he espoused the benefits of creatine to a vast readership. In 1994, he purchased EAS from Almada and Byrd, and for the next 5 years ran rampant with the promotion of Phosphagen, along with two other EAS products in its Myoplex protein and HMB products. EAS seemed to rule the late ‘90s in the supplements market, and in 1999 when Phillips sold it to North Castle Partners, he still retained one-third ownership. Eventually he would sever connections with the brand in 2004. After two more ownership changes, EAS was removed from international distribution in 2011 and finally dissolved (pun intended) in 2018.