Quigley Corporation Herpes Treatment QR-435 Fails In Animal Testing

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., Dec. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Quigley Corporation (Nasdaq: QGLY - News) and its wholly owned subsidiary Quigley Pharma Inc., announced today that a series of studies were conducted on the advice of Campbell Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh, to assess QR-435 (Quigley Pharma's broad spectrum anti-viral) potential for treating Herpes Keratitis. While the in-vitro studies were very successful at killing the herpes virus on direct contact, the HSV-1/NZW rabbit keratitis model study showed that the compound, in its aqueous form, did not remain in the eye long enough to penetrate the corneal epithelial cells where the virus resides in an infection. The HSV-1/NZW rabbit keratitis model is a recognized standard for evaluating potential therapeutic agents in this class and is only utilized based on prior positive experimentation, as was the case.

Quigley Pharma will continue to pursue research and development objectives of this compound in the treatment of respiratory viruses on the strength of prior successful in-vitro and ferret model in-vivo studies. The company's naturally derived formula has shown significant antiviral properties against various strains of H3N2 and H5N1 Influenza viruses in these studies.

Dr. Richard Rosenbloom, Quigley Pharma's Chief Operations Officer said, "Although we intend to continue to evaluate this compound against a range of Herpes viruses, our primary research efforts will focus on respiratory viruses against which this compound has proven to have its greatest therapeutic strength."

The Quigley Corporation makes no representation that the US Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory agency will allow this Investigational New Drug to be marketed. Furthermore, no claim is made that potential medicine discussed herein is safe, effective, or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, data that demonstrates activity or effectiveness in animals or in vitro tests do not necessarily mean the formula test compound; referenced herein will be effective in humans. Safety and effectiveness in humans will have to be demonstrated by means of adequate and well-controlled clinical studies before the clinical significance of the formula test compound is known. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in filings the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About The Quigley Corporation

The Quigley Corporation (Nasdaq: QGLY, http://www.Quigleyco.com) is a diversified natural health medical science company. Its Cold Remedy segment is a leading marketer and manufacturer of the COLD-EEZE® family of lozenges, gums and sugar free tablets clinically proven to cut the common cold nearly in half. COLD-EEZE customers include leading national wholesalers and distributors, as well as independent and chain food, drug and mass merchandise stores and pharmacies. The Quigley Corporation has several wholly owned subsidiaries. Darius International markets health and wellness products through its wholly owned subsidiary, InnerLight Inc. Quigley Manufacturing Inc. consists of two FDA approved facilities to manufacture COLD-EEZE® lozenges as well as fulfill other contract manufacturing opportunities. Quigley Pharma Inc. (http://www.QuigleyPharma.com) conducts research in order to develop and commercialize a pipeline of patented botanical and naturally derived prescription drugs.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statement. Factors that impact such forward-looking statements include, among others, changes in worldwide general economic conditions, changes in interest rates, government regulations, and worldwide competition.

CONTACT:

Media Investor Relations Karen Pineman Carl Hymans G.S. Schwartz & Co. G.S. Schwartz & Co. 212.725.4500 212.725.4500 kpineman@schwartz.com carlh@schwartz.com

Source: The Quigley Corporation

>>> Discuss This Story