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- After reports of the natural healing product “Echinaforce” as a possible “miracle cure” against coronavirus, the Swiss pharmaceutical supervision has taken the clarifications by hand.
- Swissmedic checks whether any prohibited public advertising has been made for the product.
On Wednesday evening, a Swissmedic spokesperson confirmed a corresponding report from TVO in eastern Switzerland at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency. According to the supervisory authority, public advertising of an unauthorized application of a medicine could be prohibited.
Advertising for “approved uses only”
Swissmedic did not provide details. Medications can generally only be advertised to the public in relation to potential uses approved by the Institute for Therapeutics.
On Monday, the Swiss media announced a study by the Spiez laboratory, according to which the herbal medicine “Echinaforce” from the company Thurgau A. Vogel helps against corona viruses in the laboratory. The natural remedy made from red echinacea extracts has been sold so far because it is generally supposed to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds.
Effect on the open human body
The researchers found that “Echinaforce” in the test tube has a lethal effect on coronaviruses. However, according to Spiezer’s study, it is completely open if the substance also works in the human body. The media reported that after the study was released in pharmacies, the demand for “Echinaforce” had increased dramatically.
A Swissmedic spokesperson said that the scientific publication of the Spiez laboratory in the “Virology Journal” on September 9 gave rise to incorrect interpretations. According to media reports, it was reported in an undifferentiated manner, especially on social media. This has led to a flood of “Echinaforce” preparations and illegal offers on online platforms among consumers.
No medical conclusions could be drawn scientifically from the laboratory study, the spokesperson said. Buying “Echinaforce” preparations in advance is not appropriate. Swissmedic has also been working with platform operators and cantons since the beginning of the week to eliminate illegal sales offers to protect consumers.
