DOYLESTOWN, Pa., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quigley Pharma, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Quigley Corporation , announced today that it has obtained positive results for its QR-443 compound for the treatment of Cachexia, a debilitating and life threatening muscle wasting condition. The results of an animal study found a 75% efficacy rate in the treatment of mice with this condition.
The results of the study clearly indicated that 75% of the tested mice injected with 5 mg of QR-433 were protected from Cachexia and did not exhibit any significant weight loss compared to untreated control animals which exhibited a 15-25 percent weight loss at the end of the experiment.
Cachexia, an extremely debilitating and life threatening condition, is a loss of weight, muscle wasting, fatigue, weakness and decrease of appetite which occurs in wasting diseases such as cancer, AIDs, chronic renal failure, advanced aging and rheumatoid arthritis. Increases in the blood levels of the cytokines IL-6, TNF-a and INF-y have been thought to play a major role in Cachexia.
QR-443 is an all natural broad spectrum anti-inflammatory compound that is being concurrently studied as a drug for Rheumatoid Arthritis (under the designation QR-440) in humans and dogs. QR-443 has been shown in previous pre-clinical studies to inhibit the production of TNFa and IFN gamma, and reducing other inflammatory cytokines associated with Cachexia. This is a significant and extremely positive development as systemic inflammation has also been associated with poor prognosis in patients with cancer.
The QR-443 study was undertaken by Professor Yacov Ron of the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Dr. Richard Rosenbloom, Chief Operating Officer, Quigley Pharma, stated, “The significant findings of the study are sufficient to continue to the next stage of the drug development process. We plan to investigate the possibility of Fast Track Status with the FDA. Alternatively, due to the importance of these findings, the Company may consider launching this product as a neutraceutical.”
The Quigley Corporation makes no representation that the US Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory agency will grant an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) or take any other action to allow its formulations to be studied or/and for any 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 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 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(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.
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.comcarlh@schwartz.com
The Quigley Corporation
CONTACT: Media - Karen Pineman, +1-212-725-4500, kpineman@schwartz.com; orInvestor Relations - Carl Hymans, +1-212-725-4500, carlh@schwartz.com, bothof G.S. Schwartz & Co.
