Zila plans to introduce Ester-C(R) advanced vitamin c into Japan

21/11/05 Zila, Inc. has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Zila Nutraceuticals, Inc., has signed an agreement with Asahi Godo to distribute its Ester-C(R) advanced vitamin C ingredient in Japan. As part of this agreement, Zila Nutraceuticals and Asahi Godo will work together to attain Japanese regulatory approval in order to allow the sale of Ester-C(R), considered a food additive in Japan, in vitamin and dietary supplement products as well as foods and beverages. According to the Global Nutrition Group, a Tokyo-based research consulting firm, sales in the Japanese nutrition market reached nearly 30 billion US dollars in 2004, making it the world's second largest market behind the United States for nutrition products.

"The introduction of Ester-C(R) into the second largest nutritional supplement market in the world represents a major milestone in the execution of Zila Nutraceuticals' aggressive international plan," said Douglas D. Burkett, Ph.D., Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Zila, Inc. "We are very excited about this new partnership and are fully committed to bringing the benefits of Ester-C(R) to the people of Japan as well as to consumers throughout the world."

Founded in 1966, Asahi Godo is headquartered in Kyoto with branch offices in Tokyo and Shizouka, Japan. The company provides health supplements and packaging services to major Japanese companies within the nutritional, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Ester-C(R) calcium ascorbate is an advanced form of vitamin C. Unlike regular vitamin C, Ester-C(R) is non-acidic, so it's gentle on the stomach. Ester-C(R) is a readily absorbed form of vitamin C that helps support immune health, heart health, joint health and vision. For more information about Ester-C(R), visit www.ester-c.com. Ester-C(R) is the registered trademark of Zila Nutraceuticals, Inc. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Zila, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, is an innovator in preventative healthcare technologies and products, focusing on enhanced body defense and the detection of pre-disease states. Zila has three business units:

Zila Biotechnology, a research, development and licensing business specializing in pre-cancer/cancer detection through its patented Zila Tolonium Chloride and OraTest(R) technologies.

Zila Pharmaceuticals, marketer of products to promote oral health and prevent oral disease, including ViziLite(R) Plus oral lesion identification kits and Peridex(R) prescription periodontal rinse.

Zila Nutraceuticals, manufacturer and marketer of Ester-C(R) and Ester-E(TM) branded, highly effective forms of Advanced Protection vitamins C and E.

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