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Following media reports about the “miracle drug” against the coronavirus, the Swiss drug supervisory authority is checking whether prohibited public advertising has been made for the preparation.
An employee of a pharmacy in Zurich with the natural remedy “Echinaforce”.
Photo: Keystone
Following reports of the natural medicine “Echinaforce” as a possible “miracle cure” against coronavirus, the Swiss Medicines Supervision Swissmedic has made clarifications. Check if prohibited public advertising has been made for the preparation.
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.
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 media announced a study by the Spiez laboratory, according to which the herbal medicine “Echinaforce” from the company Thurgau A. Vogel helps against coronaviruses in the laboratory (Does Echinaforce Really Help Against Corona? Read the interview with infectologist Huldrych Hünthard from the Zurich University Hospital here). 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. The individual pharmacies then apparently rationed the sale.
The Swissmedic spokesperson claimed 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 undifferentiated, 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.
