Matrixx Initiatives (Maker of Zicam Cold Remedy Products) Commissions Independent Research and Forms Scientific Advisory Board

In addition to clinical trials designed primarily to investigate product efficacy (how well the product works to reduce the severity and duration of colds due to the common cold virus, the rhinovirus), Matrixx Initiatives unconditionally funded four academic-based research studies in 2004-2005 to 1) better assess the causes of smell loss and the rate at which smell loss occurs; 2) determine whether any substantial amount of the nasal gel interacts with the smell tissue located in the very top portion of the nasal cavity; and 3) evaluate through animal experiments how much Zicam would be expected to be required for any substantial adverse effect on smell function. No causal link was found between Zicam use and loss of smell. These researchers are listed below with links to their published research studies that failed to find any evidence of a causal relationship between Zicam use and loss of smell:

• “Anatomical Distribution and Transport of a Topical Liquid Nasal Gel,” J. Herranz Gonzalez Botas, Hospital Universitario Juan Catalejo, et.al.,“ Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp., 2006
• “Olfaction and Olfactory Epithelium in Mice Treated with Zinc Gluconate,” Burton Slotnick, PhD, University of South Florida, et.al., The Laryngoscope, April 2007
• “Epidemiologic Study of Smell Disturbance in 2 Medical Insurance Claims Populations,” Judith K. Jones, MD, PhD, et.al., The Degge Group Ltd, Archives of Otolaryngol Head and Neck Surgery, August 2007