Health products company the Quigley Corporation said this week that its natural nasal spray was found effective in clinical trials in reducing influenza symptoms.
The compound, developed by the company's pharmaceutical subsidiary Quigley Pharma, was tested in a more advanced influenza model than previously by Retroscreen Virology, a research virology company affiliated with the University of London.
The study report concluded: "The data indicated that intranasal administration of the (Quigley Pharma) nasal spray was effective in this model, with slightly differing symptom resolutions."
Professor John Oxford, the firm's senior scientist, had previously recommended further studies after an in-vitro study of the Quigley Pharma formulation showed that it killed three virulent strains of current Influenza `A' and `B' viruses.
Results from the following studies are encouraging according to Professor Oxford. "It is now important that further investigations are considered to determine whether lower concentrations of the test compounds will be as effective and that there is a dose response. When we have sufficient data regarding toxicity, a human study might be considered. That study would consist of human influenza challenge testing."
Guy J. Quigley, president, chairman and chief executive of Quigley, said: "At the conclusion of the dosage response and toxicity testing, we will consider the most appropriate strategy for the company to pursue in this process."
He added that research and development efforts at the company would continue and suggested there it was working on bringing other natural medications to bring to the market.
Quigley markets products including the Cold-Eeze range of patented zinc gluconate glycine lozenges, gums and sugar-free tablets, to national wholesalers and distributors, as well as independent and chain food, drug and mass merchandise stores and pharmacies.