SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 1, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Health Enhancement Products (HEPI) (OTCBB:HEPI) announced today that based on observations of ProAlgaZyme(R) (PAZ(TM)) activity during tests for inflammation management, Wayne State University School of Medicine professor of pathology Dr. Fazlul Sarkar noted that potentially beneficial properties were exhibited by the natural compound when interacting with pancreatic cancer cells in vitro.
These preliminary, positive observations have moved Dr. Sarkar to consider probing the cancer-related properties of PAZ(TM) further. The noted researcher proposed that HEPI immediately authorize a new series of tests to study the potential that PAZ may hold for enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy in addressing untreatable cancers.
Dr. Sarkar stated, "I observed that PAZ(TM) exhibited no measurable toxicity toward human white blood cells in vitro during our tests for inflammation management. In a related inflammation test conducted at the same time, it was observed that PAZ(TM) also demonstrated the potential to affect the in vitro growth of human pancreatic cancer cells. These observations have caused us to consider the possibility that PAZ(TM) may be able to chemo-sensitize cancer cells so that standard chemotherapy could potentially work better. It's too compelling a development not to study the properties immediately."
HEPI quickly authorized a new series of tests to determine whether PAZ(TM) has the potential to act as a chemo-sensitizing agent prior to chemotherapy, as a direct chemotherapy enhancement in combination with other drugs and/or function as a chemoprevention compound that may help ward off the onset of cancer.
Peter Vitulli, Interim CEO, stated, "The observations and possibilities are far too important to let them remain sidelined while we further explore the HDL cholesterol-raising potential previously indicated by results from live animal studies at Wayne State. Therefore, we're going ahead with the additional tests proposed by Dr. Sarkar knowing full well that HEPI may well find itself in three or more concurrent research & development programs at the same time."
The results of these new cancer-related tests will be known in a few weeks, but the Company will not disclose findings until any relevant patent applications are prepared, submitted and accepted.
About Health Enhancement Products, Inc.
Health Enhancement Products, Inc. (OTCBB:HEPI) is a health & wellness company engaged in the development of a product comprised of pure, all-natural compounds that can be used as a dietary supplement and food additive. The Company's product is ProAlgaZyme(R)(PAZ(TM)), a liquid product drawn from living algae grown in purified water. The water in which the algae are grown is drawn off, filtered and bottled under the trademark ProAlgaZyme(R).
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for any historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including the timing of completion of a trial, actual future clinical trial results being different than the results the company has obtained to date, and the company's ability to secure funding. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.
For more information, please visit http://www.heponline.com.