March 23,
2010
THE
QUIGLEY CORPORATION AND PHOSPHAGENICS LIMITED FORM JV TO DEVELOP AND MARKET OTC
PRODUCTS
Phusion
Laboratories LLC to leverage Phosphagenics’ TPM™ platform technology with
Quigley’s robust distribution network and OTC market expertise
DOYLESTOWN,
Pennsylvania – March 23, 2010. The Quigley
Corporation (NASDAQ: QGLY) and Phosphagenics
Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) today announced the formation of a joint
venture to develop a wide range of non-prescription remedies for worldwide
distribution and sale.
The joint
venture entity is the newly formed Phusion
Laboratories LLC. Phusion combines Phosphagenics’
state-of-the-art science and research team with Quigley’s robust distribution
network and OTC market expertise to develop and market powerful OTC
products.
The new
products will be powered by Phosphagenics’ proprietary, patented TPM™
technology. TPM™ is a patient-friendly and cost effective system used
to deliver proven pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. The
ability of TPM™ delivery technology to increase the amount and depth of
penetration of active molecules into the skin has been compellingly demonstrated
in human clinical trials. It is effective in delivering OTC molecules
orally, topically and via inhalation.
“Phosphagenics’
extraordinary technology lends itself perfectly to delivery of OTC drugs as the
inclusion of TPM™ will increase the absorption and efficacy of many OTC active
ingredients,” said Quigley CEO Ted Karkus. “Our signature product
Cold-EEZE® has built its reputation and robust distribution network on its
uniquely effective delivery system. We see the world-class
scientific research team at Phosphagenics as the perfect partner to help us
leverage our existing network and consumer product expertise.”
Harry
Rosen, CEO of Phosphagenics, said, “Phosphagenics has invested more than nine
years in developing its proprietary TPM™ technology. Quigley
has a proven track record of distributing its OTC lines throughout the
US. We see extraordinary OTC products coming out of this joint venture for
large markets such as acne treatment and smoking cessation where irritation is a
major issue. Our technology has demonstrated that it can deliver products more
effectively than other commercial products, while significantly reducing
irritation. We believe our partner has an exceptional ability to effectively
market and distribute these potential future products.”
“Because
we are focusing on OTC drugs, for which no prescription is required, we will
avoid the tens of millions of dollars of costs and years of development
associated with launching a new prescription drug,” added Mr.
Karkus.
Under the
terms of the agreement, Quigley and Phosphagenics will each own 50% of Phusion
Laboratories, LLC. Phusion has been granted a worldwide, exclusive,
royalty-free license to the TPM™ technology for use in a wide range of
non-prescription products, applications and active
ingredients. Quigley will make a one time payment to Phosphagenics of
$1 million and the issuance to Phosphagenics of 1.44 million shares of Quigley
common stock.
Additionally,
Quigley has contributed $500,000 of initial capital and committed up to $2
million toward the initial development and marketing costs of new products for
Phusion Laboratories to commercialize. Phosphagenics will conduct and
oversee much of the product development, formulation, testing and other R&D
needed by the company. Quigley will oversee much of the distribution,
sales and marketing.
Ted
Karkus will discuss and answer questions about Phusion Laboratories during
Quigley’s earnings conference call later this week on Thursday, March 25th at
11:00am EDT.
About
The Quigley Corporation
The
Quigley Corporation is a diversified natural health medical science
company. It is a leading marketer and manufacturer of the Cold-EEZE®
family of lozenges and sugar free tablets clinically proven to significantly
reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. 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 several wholly owned subsidiaries including Quigley
Manufacturing Inc., which consists of an FDA approved facility to manufacture
Cold-EEZE lozenges and fulfil other contract manufacturing opportunities, and
Quigley Pharma, Inc., which conducts research in order to develop and
commercialise a pipeline of patented botanical and naturally derived potential
prescription drugs. For more information visit us at
www.Quigleyco.com
About
Phosphagenics Limited
Phosphagenics
is a Melbourne-based, globally driven biotechnology company focused on the
discovery of new and cost effective ways to enhance the bioavailability,
activity, safety and delivery of proven pharmaceutical and nutraceutical
products. The company is commercializing drug delivery applications based on its
novel transdermal (drugs administered via skin) TPM – Targeted Penetration
Matrix technology. TPM™ is a patient friendly and cost effective system used to
deliver proven pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
Two
product targets are advancing through clinical trials, including an insulin
patch for diabetics and an oxycodone patch for the relief of chronic
pain.
Phosphagenics’
shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (POH) and its ADR –
Level 1 program in the US is with The Bank of New York Mellon
(PPGNY).
For more
information, visit us at www.phosphagenics.com
Forward-Looking
Statements
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.
For
Quigley:
Media
Relations
The
Lexicomm Group
Wendi
Tush
Wendi@lexicommgroup.com
(212)
794-4531
Lindsey
Gardner
Lgardner651@gmail.com
(570)
479-4895
www.lexicommgroup.com
Investor
Contact
Ted
Karkus
Chairman
and CEO
The
Quigley Corporation
(215)
345-0919 x 0
For
Phosphagenics Limited:
Fred
Banti, President, Phosphagenics (US)
Phone:
646-706-2155
Investor
and Media Contact:
Michael
D. Becker, President & CEO
MD Becker
Partners LLC
Phone:
267-756-7094
Email:
michael@mdbpartners.com
Web:
www.mdbpartners.com