Big Boost for PharmaPrint's Herbal Remedies

By BARBARA MARSH

Oct. 28, 1997 12 AM PT

PharmaPrint sees an opportunity to cash in on growing demand for herbal remedies sold over the counter as dietary supplements.

The tiny Irvine company, which develops pharmaceutical drugs based on plant materials, said health care giant American Home Products agreed to invest about $43.5 million to license and launch over-the-counter products made by PharmaPrint over the next two years. PharmaPrint also will receive royalties on sales.

Elliott Friedman, the company’s chairman and chief executive, said the products include saw palmetto, marketed as an aid for prostate health, St. John’s wort, a mood lifter, and echinacea, for well-being. He said the company is lining up subcontractors to produce the items.

Friedman said the company hopes revenue from the sale of the over-the-counter products will help support its development of pharmaceutical-grade drugs. The company recently began human tests of saw palmetto as a possible treatment for prostate troubles and hopes to test St. John’s wort as a treatment for depression next year.

The company aims to line up another corporate partner next year to help fund development and marketing of the pharmaceutical products, he said.

Barbara Marsh covers health care for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-7762 and at barbara.marsh@latimes.com