DOYLESTOWN, PA. - May 10, 2004 - The Quigley Corporation (Nasdaq: QGLY)
reported today that intranasal application by spray of Quigley Pharma's QR-435
demonstrated efficacy in significantly reducing the severity of illness in
ferrets infected with the Influenza A virus. Combined with previous QR-435
animal model studies, there is now additional pre-clinical data suggesting that
QR-435 can both prevent and treat Influenza A virus in a ferret animal model.
This recent study examined a total of 50 ferrets. The study determined that the
QR-435 test compound significantly reduced the systemic illness as measured by
weight and temperature. The study demonstrated that QR-435 was more effective
than a leading prescription drug in reducing fever and therefore the severity
of illness. Fever is a major factor that defines the severity of illness in
this species of lab animal.
Previous animal model studies found that intranasal application by spray of
Quigley Pharma's QR-435 was 100 percent effective in preventing non-infected
ferrets in close proximity to an infected ferret from becoming infected with
the influenza A virus.
Prior to embarking on human trials, the Company will undertake further animal
model studies to determine the effect of QR-435 on other influenza virus types.
The Company is exploring its options regarding developing the compound itself,
or through joint venture or strategic alliance with a qualified pharmaceutical
company.
Richard Rosenbloom M.D., Chief Operating Officer of Quigley Pharma Inc.,
stated, "This study has provided additional supportive data, which will
facilitate progression to a proof of concept study in humans. Previous in-vitro
and in-vivo studies have suggested that QR-435 has broad anti-viral properties
for applications such as Influenza A&B, SARS, Herpes Simplex 1, and the strain
3B of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1."
These studies were conducted at Retroscreen Virology, The Medical Sciences
Building, Queen Mary's School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of London,
under the direction of Professor John Oxford. Professor Oxford is Retroscreen's
senior scientist and is a Professor of Virology at St. Bartholomew's and The
Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of London,
United Kingdom. He is the co-author of two standard texts on Influenza and
Virology and has published 250 scientific papers throughout the world.
The Quigley Corporation makes no representation that the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory agency will grant an IND
or take any other action to allow the aforementioned products to be studied or
marketed. Furthermore, no claim is made that the potential medicine discussed
here 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 that 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.
The Quigley Corporation(Nasdaq: QGLY), www.Quigleyco.com, is
a leading developer and marketer of diversified health products including the
Cold-Eeze® family of patented zinc gluconate glycine (ZIGG™) lozenges and
sugar free tablets. Cold-Eeze is the only (ZIGG™) lozenge proven in two
double-blind studies to reduce the duration of the common cold from 7.6 to 4.4
days or by 42%. In addition to Over-The-Counter (OTC) products, the company has
formed Quigley Pharma Inc. www.QuigleyPharma.com, a wholly owned ethical
pharmaceutical subsidiary, to introduce a line of naturally derived patented
prescription drugs. The Quigley Corporation's customers
include leading national wholesalers and distributors, as well as independent
and chain food, drug and mass merchandise stores and pharmacies.
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.
