Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Biotech / Medical : GUMM - Eliminate the Common Cold -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Tatnic who wrote (1158)	10/21/1999 9:30:00 PM
From: Hank	Respond to of 5582

Well, you're probably right in being skeptical. I think that most people today are always in search of the quick fix, just like they're always looking for the quick buck. I really don't think most people will have the patience to stick with Zicam if it doesn't make them feel better right away. I know I sure wouldn't have if I knew nothing about the way in which Zicam is supposed to work and was just trying it on a whim. Maybe if GUMM can pull off a marketing miracle and get one of the big drug companies to co-market zicam with one of the more traditional medicines they'll have a chance. Maybe something like- buy a bottle of Nyquil and get a bottle of Zicam for $4. That, combined with more explicit package literature, may get people to try the stuff and stick with it.

To: Tatnic who wrote (1158)	10/21/1999 9:51:00 PM
From: DanZ	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 5582

CCCrawford, You might be missing two things. One, there is more to GumTech than Zicam. While the product is very important to shareholders, the company's gum business grew nearly 100% from 1998 to 1999 and stands to grow orders of magnitude with the upcoming nicotine gum joint venture. It is my belief that they will not only go after the smoking cessation market, but also a market aimed at using gum as an alternative delivery system for nicotine. Two, the market for OTC cold remedies was $2.5 billion in 1998. It is obvious from this figure that consumers spend a lot of money trying to get rid of the common cold. In terms of loss of life, I would agree that cancer and AIDS are much more important than the common cold. However, when you consider loss of production, sick leave, etc., the common cold is perhaps the most serious sickness in terms of economic impact. Nasal delivered medications are becoming more common, and I would think that they are also becoming more acceptable to consumers. If Zicam is found to be clinically proven to reduce the duration of the common cold to 1.5 to 3 days, or better yet, prevent the common cold, I seriously doubt if the method of delivery or price will impede sales. PS to Hank: I'm glad that you are feeling better even if you aren't satisfied with Zicam. I would be pleased to send your comments to the company for their consideration. They are very interested in feedback from consumers and if enough people share your concerns, I'm sure that they will address them. Best regards, Dan