It’s hardly up there on the list of health matters occupying the world stage these days – surely, not in light of the current flu pandemic - but psoriasis (pronounced sor-EYE-ah-sis) is a chronic disease that affects the skin and joints, causing red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. While it’s not known that psoriasis kills, it often curbs the quality of life to the point where its sufferers become acutely depressed and socially isolated. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.
A recent study out of Miami also showed that psoriasis could pose cardiovascular risks. The study, conducted on those of average age in their upper 60s, found psoriasis patients were particularly likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure and poor cholesterol profiles. Those conditions make cardiovascular problems more likely.
To date, there is no cure and methods to treat the disorder range from home remedies to creams offered by various companies over the Internet - detox teas, sea cucumber, shark liver oils, skin creams and shampoos. Major drug and cosmetic companies have shied away from developing the means to fight psoriasis.
The leading health-related organizations in the U.S. specializing in skin problems have indicated that the estimated 40 million U.S. consumers spend $4 Billion U.S. each year on over-the-counter products to ease their reoccurring pain and discomfort.
Into this environment, stepped a company based out of British Columbia, avVaa World Health Care Products Inc. (PINK SHEETS:AVVH). This global biotechnology company, whose motto is “improving quality of life naturally”, makes and distributes nationally-branded natural skin and health care products, and this month, announced it was ratcheting up its campaign to get those products to those members of the public still coping with the disease.
AVVH said it would soon start working with key vendors for the Neuroskin® direct response television (DRTV) campaign. Company President Lorie Campbell-Farley outlined the steps involved in the campaign, including producing infomercials and throwing in its lot with telemarketing firms experienced at working with DRTV. It is a campaign that in March, avVaa World Health Care projected branding would bring in gross retail sales profitability of $6.7 million U.S.
In May, AVVH hooked up with a full service television advertizing and production company called Creative Bube Tube to have the latter firm produce a two-minute television commercial within the infomercial, further to help get the word out about Neuroskin and other products, and help build brand awareness to the nearly 40 million Americans who suffer from some sort of skin disorder. For any type of itchy skin, including psoriasis, Neuroskin is available to these folks without a prescription.
In April, the company announced an agreement with Steve Allen Media to prepare avVaa for the upcoming nationwide launch of Neuroskin. These media relations efforts will gain recognition for the product lines throughout Canada and United States in the English/French- and Spanish-speaking consumer markets as well as in industry markets.
Recent headlines focusing on tests done on two substances, known as cycolmethicone exact D4 and D5 - found in shampoo, soap, antiperspirant and hundreds of other personal care products, showed they pose a danger to wildlife and aquatic life. There are hundreds of thousands of beauty care products available around the world, most containing damaging chemicals, preservatives and toxins. None of avVaa World Health Care products contain the two chemicals. The products are all effective, natural, therapeutic skin care products for humans and animals alike.
Neuroskin Psoriasis Relief, Mild Skin Moisturizer, Acne Treatment and Itch Relief are available over-the-counter and are extremely easy to use, non-toxic products, having no side effects on the human body or the environment. The products do not contain unnatural ingredients such as cortisone, antibiotics and alcohol. The formula is non-greasy, odourless and does not stain clothing, unlike other creams and ointments. Patients have reported noticeable reduction of symptoms after just the first application. Neuroskin will replace prescription medication for patients, using expensive therapies and steroids.
Tests in Germany have proven the product to be effective on 995 out of 1000 people (99.5%). The tests indicated and proved Neuroskin did not cause any side effects.
Compare AVVH’s clinical success with that of another Canadian company, Edmonton-based Isotechnika Inc. (TSX:ISA) whose psoriasis treatment, while promising, is just emerging from trial stages. In April, ISA announced that tests involving its voclosporin treatment showed superior readings to a placebo in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis at 12 weeks of treatment. In the voclosporin arm, 35% of patients achieved a ''clear'' or ''almost clear'' score at 12 weeks compared to 6% of patients receiving placebo. More information will be available on these tests in July, at a Canadian Dermatology Association conference in Vancouver.
While the combined Phase 3 European/Canadian trial for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis has been completed and data is being collected and analyzed, the drug still has a few hurdles to overcome before commercialization is to occur.
Another rival in this field is Knoxville-based Provectus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCBB: PVCT), whose main focus is the fight against breast, skin and liver cancers. Provectus commenced tests for a psoriasis treatment in the summer of 2007, a substance known as Topical PH-10 Aqueous Hydrogel. Whether for lack of funding or dissatisfaction with how the tests were proceeding, they were suspended last February.
AVVH’s psoriasis product’s superior effectiveness over competing products, its current availability as well as its natural and therapeutic ingredients are all reasons for why the Company is pushing hard to fast track a mass marketing program. A result of this marketing program could see this product appear in bathroom cupboards throughout North American households quite soon.
AVVH, whose products are out on the market, has a stock price hidden below a penny, growing to no more than 1.25 cents at its 52-week peak last March, just after the initial announcements were made about the infomercial. Its low point was just after the New Year, when the stock languished around one-100th of a cent. The price currently finds itself around four 10ths of a cent, which should pique the interest of investors seeking a ''remedy'' to a dull portfolio.
By: AllPennyStocks.com
