DOYLESTOWN, Pa., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Quigley Corporation wholly owned subsidiary Quigley Pharma announced today the results of a mouse multiple sclerosis model (EAE) study which has shown that the QR-442, a naturally derived compound was found to delay onset of disease as well as considerably lowering severity.
QR-442 was studied in a series of murine (mouse) experiments by Professor Yakov Ron, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (Robert Wood Johnson Medical School). The anti-inflammatory effects of QR-442 were first evaluated in in-vitro experiments as well as in an immune-mediated inflammation model in mice. In this model inflammation is induced locally by a secondary, immune response to an antigen, which is known scientifically as delayed type hypersensitivity or DTH.
Since in M.S. the disease involves a classic example of a DTH reaction in the central nervous system, the effect of QR-442 was tested in an animal model for multiple sclerosis. Results showed that mice treated with QR-442 had a delayed onset of this disease and disease severity was considerably lower especially in animals receiving several doses of the compound.
Dr. Richard Rosenbloom, Chief Operating Officer of Quigley Pharma stated: "We are encouraged by these preliminary results. The data is sufficient to proceed with further studies which may lead to an IND submission to the FDA."
It is estimated that over 350,000 Americans live with multiple sclerosis (M.S.) and approximately 3 million live with it worldwide. Approximately 50% of M.S. global drug sales were derived from the US (US$ 2.3 billion) in 2004, with the remainder largely derived in Europe (nearly 50%, US$ 2.2 billion).
The Quigley Corporation is the leading developer and marketer of diversified health products. The company's proven success in launching first-in-category health solutions supports the Pharma subsidiary in its efforts to develop strong pharmaceutical compounds targeting diverse conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis with naturally derived compounds and botanicals.
The Quigley Corporation makes no representation that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory agency will grant an IND for human study or take any other action to allow the aforementioned compound to be marketed. Furthermore, no claim is made that the potential medicine discussed here is safe, effective, or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
About The Quigley Corporation
The Quigley Corporation is a diversified natural health medical science company. Its Cold Remedy segment is a leading marketer and manufacturer of the COLD-EEZE(R) 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 four (4) 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(R) 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.
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.comcarlh@schwartz.com
The Quigley CorporationCONTACT: Media: Karen Pineman, kpineman@schwartz.com, or InvestorRelations: Carl Hymans, carlh@schwartz.com, both of G.S. Schwartz & Co.,+1-212-725-4500, for The Quigley Corporation
