Q-pharma Inc. positioned to gain major share of toothpaste market with acquisition of key U.S. patent

Business Wire, May 20, 1997

EDMONDS, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 1997--Q-pharma Inc. today announced a milestone achievement by exercising its exclusive right to purchase a key U.S. patent 4,654,373 titled "Pharmaceutical Formulations Containing CoQ10 Suitable for Topical Administration" covering formulations containing Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in pastes, creams, ointments, gels, lotions, or unguents for topical applications.

The patent was purchased from the assignee, Italfarmaco S.A., in Lugano, Switzerland, on May 16, 1997.

Q-pharma is currently developing a line of personal care and oral care products fortified with CoQ10. The company's first product will be an all-new, patented toothpaste named Q-dent(TM) which will be formulated to fight against periodontal disease. Research studies have shown that topical applications of CoQ10 can control and even reverse certain forms of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis.

The company believes combining CoQ10 with toothpaste and other products such as oral gels will attract today's educated consumers who are seeking high-quality, specialty products even at premium prices. Currently, the toothpaste market in the United States is approximately $1.8 billion in size and is expected to reach over $2 billion by the year 2000.

The company is currently in the midst of a 1.4 million share Reg A offering which was deemed effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 1997. An offering circular may be obtained directly by contacting the company.

CONTACT: Q-pharma Inc.

Joseph S. Baba, 888/742-7687