Matrixx Initiatives

Matrixx Initiatives is a Nasdaq-listed company that speciacilises in over-the-counter drugs and healthcare products Zicam is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, which produces a range of cold and flu remedies.

Cold remedies cause loss of smell
In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned that Matrixx's Zicam anti-cold nasal spray containing zinc "can cause permanent loss of smell," and urged people to no longer use the Zicam nasal spray. "FDA officials said they've received more than 130 reports about the loss of smell. The agency sent Matrixx a warning letter directing the company to stop marketing the internasal products," reported the Wall Street Journal. Lawsuits have been filed against the company alleging that the Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel has caused the permanent loss or diminishment of the sense of smell or smell and taste."

Fake news
Matrixx has repeatedly used video news releases (VNRs), produced by the broadcast PR firm D S Simon Productions, to promote its Zicam cold remedies. In January 2006, a Matrixx / Zicam VNR about flu remedies aired on at least one television station. In October 2006, a heavily promotional Matrixx / Zicam VNR on cold remedies aired on at least two TV stations, without any disclosure.

Suing for subscriber lists
In 2005 the Electronic Privacy Information Center joined with eight other civil liberties groups in opposing an attempt by Mattrixx to sue "a newsletter publisher to disclose his subscriber list. The company wants to use the list in connection with a law suit it filed against numerous unidentified people who posted derogatory comments about the company on Internet discussion boards." (PDF file)

Contact details
Web: http://www.matrixxinc.com/

Related SourceWatch articles

 * D S Simon Productions
 * Fake news
 * Food and Drug Administration
 * Video news releases

External articles

 * "Civil Liberties Groups Submit Amicus Brief on Listserv Membership Protection Issue", June 15, 2005. (38 page PDF file).