DOYLESTOWN, PA (December 9, 2005) The Quigley Corporation (NASDAQ: QGLY),
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 (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 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® 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.
