In vivo safety and tolerability study of QR-441(a) using three dose formulations and three routes of administration in chickens.

The current study assessed the safety, tolerability, and palatability of the experimental drug QR-441(a) using three dose formulations and three routes of administration. A 4-day study was carried out using a total of 132 chickens. A total of 11 groups were formed (12 chickens per group) subjected to varying concentrations and routes of administration of QR-441(a).

In vivo prophylactic activity of QR-435 against H3N2 influenza virus infection.

Background: Prophylaxis against influenza infection can take several forms, none of which is totally effective at preventing the spread of the disease. QR-435, an all-natural compound of green-tea extract and other agents, has been developed to protect against a range of viral infections, including the influenza subtype H3N2.

Methods: Several different QR-435 formulations were tested against the two influenza A H3N2 viruses (A/Sydney/5/97 and A/Panama/2007/99) in the ferret model.

Preclinical in vitro activity of QR-435 against influenza A virus as a virucide and in paper masks for prevention of viral transmission.

Prophylaxis against influenza is difficult, and current approaches against pandemics may be ineffective because of shortages of the two proven classes of antivirals in the face of a large-scale infection. Herbal/natural products may represent an effective alternative to conventional attempts to protect against infection by avian influenza virus. QR-435, an all-natural compound of green tea extract and other agents, has been developed to provide protection against a wide range of viral infections.

Limitations of current prophylaxis against influenza virus infection.

Avian influenza has been a source of worldwide concern since Hong Kong authorities detected the first outbreak in 1997. Mainly as a result of poultry-to-human transmission, more than 200 cases of infection in humans have been attributed to the A/H5, A/H7, and A/H9 viral subtypes, with a case fatality rate for A/H5N1 infections exceeding 50%. A mutant or reassortant virus capable of efficient human-to-human transmission can set off a pandemic.

Safety of zinc gluconate glycine (Cold-Eeze) in a geriatric population: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Zinc gluconate glycine lozenges are an over-the-counter homeopathic remedy that significantly reduced the duration and severity of common colds in adults in 2 independent clinical trials. To evaluate the safety of zinc gluconate glycine lozenges in elderly individuals with 1 or more health conditions, with or without a cold. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial enrolled men and women between 60 and 91 years of age, who self-administered 1 zinc gluconate glycine or placebo lozenge every 3 to 4 hours for 6 days.

A multicenter, double-blind, safety study of QR-333 for the treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A preliminary report.

Background: QR-333, a topical compound that contains quercetin, a flavonoid with aldose reductase inhibitor effects, ascorbyl palmitate, and vitamin D(3), was formulated to decrease the oxidative stress that contributes to peripheral diabetic neuropathy and thus alleviate its symptoms. This proof-of-principle study assessed the efficacy and safety of QR-333 against placebo in a small cohort of patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial included 34 men and women (21-71 years of age) with Type 1 or 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy who applied QR-333 or placebo (2:1 ratio), three times daily for 4 weeks, to each foot where symptoms were experienced.