PhenTrim Gears Up for Increased Demand as Consumers Seek Safe Alternatives to Banned Phen-Fen and Redux.

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 1997--``The loss of life and damage to health caused by Phen-Fen and Redux and similar pharmaceutical products is tragic,'' said James Ayres, vice president of Nova Naturals.

``Fortunately, there is now a safe and effective all-natural weight-control product available which enables consumers to achieve and maintain a healthy weight while avoiding the risks and side effects of pharmaceutical products,'' he said.

PhenTrim, developed by a Nova Naturals team of physicians, nutritionists, herbalists and chemists, is a carefully balanced formulation of 18 ingredients, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and herbs, which work together to reduce appetite while converting stored body fat into energy.

In response to increased demand, Nova Naturals has quadrupled production of PhenTrim, said Ayres. PhenTrim is available nationwide in retail outlets such as General Nutrition Centers, natural-food stores and supermarkets. It can also be ordered direct from Nova Naturals by calling toll-free 888/PHENTRIM.

To inform consumers about the availability of this all-natural weight-control alternative, the company is running a national ad campaign for PhenTrim that includes print ads in USA Today and spots on CNBC.

PhenTrim is effective, safe, entirely natural and nonaddictive, said Carlos F. Schmidt, M.D., and Teja D. Gerth, M.D. The two physicians participated in the development of PhenTrim and are now overseeing long-term clinical studies of the supplement at Nova Weight Loss Clinics in Southern California.

During initial double-blind clinical trials, patients using the PhenTrim formulation lost an average of 27 pounds over 90 days. Patients using a placebo lost an average of 10 pounds.

In Nova's weight-loss clinics, about 90 percent of patients who previously used pharmaceutical weight-control products are switching to PhenTrim and successfully maintaining their weight-control programs, Ayres said.

PhenTrim is intended to be one element in a total weight-control program, which should also include exercise and other behavioral changes, eating nutritious and balanced meals, and an evaluation of one's genetic profile as a possible predisposition to being overweight.

Several of the key ingredients in PhenTrim act as neuronutrients, stimulating selected brain functions to reduce food cravings and the urge to overeat; alleviate anxiety, fatigue and insomnia; and increase mental alertness and energy levels.

Other components in PhenTrim help stimulate the body's physiological activity, such as promoting digestion of proteins, converting body fat and carbohydrates into energy, stimulating the circulatory system and metabolizing iron. These are combined with gentle diuretics to reduce bloating due to water retention.

The supplement's name is derived from DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA), an essential amino acid and neurotransmitter that reduces hunger, simulates mental alertness and memory, and alleviates depression.

Unlike many other weight-management products, PhenTrim contains no mahuang (ephedra, a ``speed''-like herb) and no caffeine, sugars or yeast.

PhenTrim is patent pending. With a suggested retail price of $36.95 for a 90-capsule supply, it is available through local health-food, vitamin and drug stores. It can also be ordered directly from Nova Naturals. The toll-free phone number is 888/PHENTRIM (888/743-6874). Nova Naturals is located at 31712 Casino Drive, Lake Elsinore, Calif. 92530.

CONTACT: Auerbach & Co. Inc.

Alexander Auerbach, 800/871-2583 or 818/501-4221

[e-mail] (e-mail)

or

Nova Naturals

Jim Ayres, 888/743-6874