TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Swiss Medica, Inc. (OTCBB:SWME) announced today that Heritage Healthcare of the Republic of South Africa has become Swiss Medica's latest international distribution partner. Heritage Healthcare will be marketing and distributing Swiss Medica's O24 products throughout South Africa ("SA").
Heritage Healthcare will be commencing a national marketing campaign which will include promoting 024 into the major pharmacy chains and distributors and sampling the 024 products to orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists and pain management specialists in South Africa.
According to Gary Schach, Founder of Heritage Healthcare:
"South Africans are sports crazy and many suffer from pain caused by over-doing activities whilst participating in soccer, rugby, athletics, tennis, running and golf. I personally have 26 years experience in developing, manufacturing and marketing healthcare and surgical products to the SA market and feel certain that 024 will soon become a leading contender in the natural product pain relief sector in South Africa."
Grant Johnson, President and COO of Swiss Medica, stated, "We are proud to see the international healthcare community recognize and support the strengths of our brands: all-natural, clinically-tested products that provide fast, safe and effective relief. It is our goal to continue to grow Swiss Medica's international presence through these strategic distribution deals. We expect to make several more announcements regarding our international expansion plans over the next several months."
About the Heritage Health
Heritage Healthcare is a division of Heritage Surgical Products cc of South Africa who is an innovative leader in the manufacture and supplier of unique, high quality urological, incontinence, surgical and medical products servicing the South African marketplace. Heritage Healthcare has a strong and respected relationship with many healthcare professionals, pharmacists and allied professionals throughout South Africa. The Republic of South Africa has a population of 42.4 million, a Gross Domestic Product in 2005 of $570 Billion (18th highest Worldwide) and a per capita income of $12,160 (54th highest in the world).
About Swiss Medica, Inc.
Swiss Medica is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on commercializing over-the-counter clinically-tested, patented all-natural products that relieve chronic ailments. Swiss Medica builds its brands through innovative and focused distribution and marketing strategies. Swiss Medica's mission is to be a world leader in the commercialization of over-the-counter, safe and effective chronic ailment treatments. Please visit our websites at www.swissmedica.com, www.O24zone.com and www.pmsescape.com.
Swiss Medica's flagship product, the O24 Essential Oil Pain Neutralizer, holds U.S. Patent No. 6,444,238B1. The O24 pain relief solution has been used and recommended for its fast-acting and long-lasting benefits by healthcare professionals and athletes in the United States, Canada and in Europe. O24 is widely available over-the-counter throughout the United States and Canada in leading pharmacies and other retailers. Customers can also visit www.O24zone.com, for ordering details and store locators for the nearest pharmacy.
Swiss Medica has recently launched the patented O24 Fibromyalgia pain reliever (U.S. Patent No. 6,444,238B1) over-the-counter in North American retailers. The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) recently awarded O24 Fibromyalgia their first NFA Seal of Approval. Over 10 million Americans suffer from the long-term pain associated with Fibromyalgia. In a randomized double blind clinical trial conducted in 2005, 88 percent of the patients who used O24 Fibromyalgia reported mild to markedly better improvement, versus only 7 percent who used the placebo. Customers can also visit www.O24zone.com, for ordering details and store locators for the nearest retailer.
Swiss Medica also distributes PMS Escape(r) which holds U.S. Patent Nos. 5760014 and 5612320. PMS Escape(r) is a specially formulated group of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, clinically proven to reduce changes in mood and appetite that women experience during the premenstrual period. Customers can also visit www.pmsescape.com for additional information and ordering details.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks relating to acceptance of Swiss Medica's products in Canada, the United States and other countries, risks related to international sales and purchases and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, acceptance of Swiss Medica's products, increased levels of competition, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in Swiss Medica's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.