TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 4, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Toronto Star health editor Judy Gerstel announced arthritis drugs Vioxx(r), Celebrex(r) and naproxen are out. What's IN for 2005? Exercise, weight loss and topical pain relievers, she noted. Wrote Gerstel in her December 31st health column, "Among the products: O24 essential oil pain reliever, from Toronto-based Swiss Medica (OTCBB:SWME)." Gerstel noted that topical pain relief products are "being heavily promoted now that the high-profile drugs are losing their luster."
Since Merck & Co's voluntary worldwide recall of its Vioxx(r) arthritis medicine, Swiss Medica's O24(tm) has become one of Canada's most popular pain relief products. Prior to the US Food & Drug Administration cautions on Celebrex(r) and naproxen, Swiss Medica began test marketing the US-patented O24(tm) at the Happy Harry's Discount Drugstore chain in Delaware. Canadian and US sales of the O24(tm) pain relief product have been robust and encouraging as Swiss Medica plans to continue its North American rollout of its flagship product during 2005.
Recently, the O24(tm) product got a boost after the FDA recommended physicians consider alternatives to Pfizer's popular arthritis medication, Celebrex(r). Noted Florida surgeon Allan N. Fields began recommending O24 as a "selective replacement for Celebrex(r) and Bextra(r) in certain cases." Former surgeon to boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Dr. Fields was named "Physician of the Year" in early November by the AAPRP and awarded the Key to the City of Miami Beach.
In late December, Swiss Medica announced a randomized double blind clinical trial, using the O24(tm) pain relief product on patients suffering from fibromyalgia, had been completed. A final report is expected in January after the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Studies (ICES) in Toronto completes its analysis of the results.
Widely popular in Europe, the O24(tm) product has been used by Olympic athletes and former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, recommended by the Toronto Maple Leaf's athletic trainer, medically and hospital-tested under emergency room conditions, and is currently enjoying a grassroots groundswell in both the United States and Canada because it reportedly can be used for "pains associated with arthritis" and not interfere with a patient's prescription medications. Also available online at www.024zone.com
For details about Swiss Medica, Inc.: www.swissmedica.com