Qmelt Provides Consumers With Fast Absorbing, Natural CoQ10; Supplement Important in Maintaining...

Business Editors

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2004

HVL, Inc., a leading manufacturer of nutritional supplements, recently introduced its new Qmelt(R) fast-absorbing 60 mg. tablets that deliver natural coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant produced by the liver in the

Low levels of CoQ10 have been associated with various health conditions. Cardiovascular health, energy production, immune functionality and periodontal health are supported by supplementation with coenzyme Q10. Since CoQ10's effectiveness is limited when taken orally, formulations that maximize absorption are most desirable. Qmelt is clinically proven to be fast absorbing - literally three times faster than capsules and twice as fast as soft-gels.

"Qmelt presents consumers with an effective alternative to conventional dosage forms of CoQ10. Qmelt's great tasting melt-in-your-mouth delivery technology facilitates clinically proven fast absorption of this important nutrient," said Doug Lioon, Chief Executive Officer of HVL. "The product is especially important for those maintaining general health while taking cholesterol-lowering medications."

Studies show that individuals taking statin drugs, which include nearly 15 million adults in the United States, can become depleted in CoQ10 because of the medications' tendencies to block its production. CoQ10 deficiency is completely preventable with supplemental CoQ10 with no adverse impact on the cholesterol-lowering or anti-inflammatory properties of the medications.

"In some cases, statin drugs have been shown to deplete CoQ10, a vital nutrient made in the body," said Dr. Paul Nemiroff, a renowned surgeon and the 2003 winner of the prestigious C. Everett Koop Media Award from the American Heart Association. "Qmelt is 100 percent natural and clinically proven to absorb rapidly. The fast melt technology of Qmelt is ideal in allowing this vital nutrient to go into the bloodstream quickly. My patients like Qmelt because it's a melt-away tab, not another pill to swallow. And I take it myself!"

In addition to its benefits for statin drug users, the CoQ10 delivered by Qmelt can assist those in maintaining overall health. CoQ10 sustains the non-stop performance of key organs like the heart and brain. And in its role in transporting electrons during the cellular respiration process, CoQ10 enables every cell in the body to produce energy.

Qmelt's successful introduction is riding the wave of the growing demand for CoQ10 supplements, which is estimated to be $210 million this year alone. Qmelt is available at a variety of fine health retailers in the United States and Canada, and online at Drugstore.com and CVS.com.

About HVL, Inc.

HVL, Inc. has been a leading manufacturer and provider of exceptional nutritional supplements to healthcare professionals for over 50 years. HVL's world class manufacturing facilities, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, adhere to cGMPs in accordance with USP27, include ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 accredited in-house laboratories and comply with federal and other worldwide regulatory bodies including the FDA and the Canadian and European Ministries of Health.