ProPhase Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRPH), a next generation biotech, genomics and diagnostics company, today announced positive preliminary results from its Equivir dietary supplement comprehensive trial.
Preliminary results indicate that this innovative OTC dietary supplement has the potential to support and maintain immunity, which – if confirmed at the end of the clinical trial program – may help reduce both the frequency and severity of upper respiratory illnesses including the common cold, flu, and Covid-19.
Conducted by Vedic Life Sciences in India, Equivir is currently being evaluated through two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Each study enrolls 150 participants, randomly assigned to receive either Equivir or a placebo, with their health monitored over a 180-day period.
There is an interim look once 150 patients have passed the 90-day mark and a statistically significant number of upper respiratory events (e.g., cold, flu, Covid-19) have occurred. Preliminary results are as follows:
Overall, in the initial 150 patient group there were approximately 46 incidences of upper respiratory viral infections. 62.3% of the patients in the placebo group acquired a viral infection versus only 37.7% in the Equivir group.
Equivir is being developed with plans to market as an OTC dietary supplement. Therefore, the Company cannot make specific claims regarding Covid-19 treatment or prevention and is not seeking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Equivir as a drug.
However, the Company plans to publish the results when both studies are completed. The Company anticipates that the second trial for Equivir will be completed during Q2 2024. Upon completion of the upcoming second trial, ProPhase Labs aims to leverage its robust distribution channels for a successful product launch, slated for the latter half of 2024.
“Given the extensive experience that ProPhase has in developing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing OTC dietary supplements, the Company has conducted the trials in a rigorous manner that we believe will allow for an impressive set of claims for Equivir and potentially a very successful introduction to the marketplace,” said Ted Karkus, CEO of ProPhase Labs. “We believe that the company’s significant distribution network of over 40,000 food, drug, and mass stores that has been cultivated over the last thirty years will allow for a significant launch. Equivir could potentially become a meaningful contributor to the Company’s profitability for a long time to come.” Mr. Karkus concluded.