Value? What do you know about the value of this company? Your opinion appears to be based on an uninformed supposition that zinc isn't effective against the common cold. The fact of the matter is there is more to this company than Zicam. Do you have any estimates for gum sales next quarter? How about the profit on gum next quarter? Have you read their press releases concerning "significant" growth in the gum operations "very soon"? What do you think that means? Your opinion of zinc and the common cold is wrong too. Here are some links so you can educate yourself.
Theory that relates zinc to the common cold afpafitness.com
Bruce Korant, PhD, of Du Pont Chemicals showed in Nature in 1974, that Zn2+ ions were strongly antirhinoviral. Others have shown that Zn2+ ions help T-cell lymphocytes release large amounts of interferon-gamma, a powerful antiviral agent. Other functions of Zn2+ ions helpful in treating or curing common colds include anti-inflammatory activities, destruction of histamine, stabilization of cell plasma membranes (prevents cell leakage, congestion and runny nose), and stimulates T-cell lymphocytes into action.
Theory linking the rhinovirus to the ICAM-1 receptors www-micro.msb.le.ac.uk
More research linking ICAM-1 to the rhinovirus hsc.wvu.edu
Theory relating the rhinovirus to ICAM-1 receptors and the relationship of zinc to ICAM-1 mothernature.com
To cause a cold, the virus needs to latch onto a cell structure called ICAM-I. Zinc ions, however, cut off viral access to ICAM-1, thus inhibiting the cold virus' proliferation.
Relationship between zinc and the rhinovirus proven in vitro 164.195.100.11.
It has been established in vitro that zinc ions can inhibit replication of a few of the many antigenically different rhinoviruses.
It has been established that zinc can provide an astringent and decongestant effect in common cold treatment. Zinc inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils.
But it can now be disclosed that the low dosages of zinc and the method of application only brings temporary relief, perhaps because natural circulation removes zinc ions from the locus of the treatment more rapidly than the low application rate of zinc ions by the dosages replaces them. Because it has been established in vitro that zinc ions can inhibit replication of rhinoviruses, one may theorize that a low dosage of zinc may produce a zinc ion concentration that may or may not reach antiviral concentrations and that a method of application that does not maintain a sufficiently high level of zinc ions in the locus of treatment would not prevent continued viral replications.
Zicam corrects this situation by maintaining a constant level of zinc ions on the ICAM receptor.
At any rate, the issue isn't whether a handful of biased short sellers think Zicam works. It is already proven that Zicam works in three double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies, two of which were independent and published in a peer reviewed medical journal by reputable physicians and researchers. The issue is whether the company makes a profit on Zicam and their gum operations. You apparently don't even have a clue about the gum operations and you don't know how sales of Zicam are going this quarter. If you did, you wouldn't be short. Call some buyers in the retail channel and talk to them. Find someone who has access to IRI marketing data. You will learn that Zicam is selling very well right now. Regardless, the gum business is getting ready to bite you. |
