Druss:
Do not be confused. There are two studies. I tried to explain this in my posts, but here are longer explanations that should clear up things.
The first study was done a long time ago and was sent to the NEJM where now it awaits final word.
I am well-aware of the NEJM, having sat on the committee that oversees its business affairs (7/1989- 6/1990).
The first study tested volunteers with cold symptoms and (double-blind) treated half with Zicam and half with placebo. It was found that the people who received Zicam had their cold symptoms relieved in an average of 1.5 days compared to average of 10-14 days in the placebo group. The p was <0.001, which means that the chance that Zicam DID NOT account for the difference was one in one thousand. Since most studies require only a five in one hundred significance (P<0.05), this is very compelling and is easily conceivable as material submittable to any major medical journal, especially on the heels of the other recent studies of common cold medications in JAMA, etc.
The second study is described below as taken verbatim cut and paste from a recent GUMM press release:
(http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/990715/az_gum_tec_1.html)
. Initial clinical research has indicated that use of ZICAM(TM) can reduce the duration of the common cold from 12 -- 14 days to 1 -- 3 days.
According to R. Steven Davidson, CEO of Gel Tech, ''Scientists at two major universities have begun work on the next phase of clinical research concerning the efficacy of ZICAM(TM). The research will have three objectives: confirming ZICAM(TM)'s ability to significantly reduce the duration of the common cold; exploring ZICAM(TM)'s ability to act as a preventive measure against the common cold and its symptoms; and testing ZICAM(TM)'s ability to relieve symptoms caused by allergic reactions to common airborne allergens.''
Davidson continued, ''The independent studies will be conducted at multiple sites according to rigorous scientific protocols. The research on ZICAM(TM)'s therapeutic and preventive benefits will be conducted by inoculating patients with a common strain of rhinovirus.''
Davidson concluded, ''Baring unforeseen delays, we anticipate that the research will be completed by the end of October, 1999.''
I hope this clears up any misunderstanding about the studies.
Regards,
Howard |
