The Quigley Corporation has received a patent for its topical pain relief treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The U.S. Patent, No. 6,555,573 entitled Method and Composition for the Topical Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy, extends through March 27th 2021.

The patent provides broad protection over Quigley's compound QR-333, which was developed for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, a condition that will affect a significant percentage of diabetics in their lifetime. Diabetes afflicts 15.7 million people in the United States, according to data compiled from 1995-1998 by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

The Quigley Corporation recently announced the results of its Phase II proof of concept study for compound QR-333. The study concluded that subjects taking QR-333 had 67 per cent of their symptoms improve, strongly suggesting efficacy. Based upon the proof of concept results, Quigley is preparing an IND for submission to the FDA to obtain permission to study and develop the formula as a prescription drug.

Dr. Richard Rosenbloom, inventor of the compound and Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Quigley Pharma Inc., the wholly owned ethical pharmaceutical subsidiary of the Quigley Corporation stated, "This patent validates the company's pioneering work and vision in developing naturally-derived compounds designed to treat conditions that have not been successfully addressed. We will now seek to develop this compound into a safe and effective commercial prescription drug."

The QR-333 compound is the first in a series of potential drug targets for Quigley Pharma. In addition to QR-333, Quigley has patent applications for compounds to treat sialorrhea (drooling) in patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, radiation dermatitis, influenza A and B, herpes and psoriasis/eczema.

No claims are made for the compounds discussed herein are safe, effective, or approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).