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Health Enhancement Products Receives Approval to Commence HIV and CRP Clinical Trial in Cameroon

Posted on: Monday, 1 May 2006, 09:02 CDT

Health Enhancement Products Inc. (OTCBB: HEPI) announced today that it will commence two separate clinical trials, one of which will study the possible effects of HEPI's sole product, ProAlgaZyme (PAZ) on HIV. In particular, the study will explore PAZ's potential to reduce viral loads in patients with HIV. The other study will investigate PAZ's potential effects on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels and the inflammation process. Both studies are being conducted by Dr. Julius E. Oben, head of the department of biochemistry, University of Yaounde in Cameroon. The study has been approved by the University Teaching Hospital Review Board and the Cameroon National Ethics Committee, as well as the Cameroon Ministry of Health.

The specific objectives of the HIV study are as follows:

1. To study the potential effect of ProAlgaZyme(TM) on CD4 lymphocyte cell count over an eight-week period. 2. To study the potential effect of ProAlgaZyme(TM) on viral load over an eight-week period. 3. To study the potential effect of ProAlgaZyme(TM) on malonaldehyde (MDA) and thiol protein concentrations over an eight-week period. 4. To study the potential effect of ProAlgaZyme(TM) on CRP levels in HIV/AIDS patients over an eight-week period. 5. To study the potential effect of ProAlgaZyme(TM) on total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol of HIV/AIDS patients over an eight-week period.

A CRP-related trial will be conducted simultaneously to test PAZ's potential to reduce C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels. The American Heart Association (AHA) reported this year that "most studies show that the higher the hs-CRP levels, the higher the risk of developing heart attack." The current study will investigate the potential of ProAlgaZyme to control inflammation and promote cardiovascular benefits in overweight and obese people. PAZ, when tested in lab animals, showed an ability to reduce inflammation, versus aspirin. The study will be an eight-week randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial.

Howard R. Baer, chairman of Health Enhancement Products, stated, "These trials are a logical next step, based upon the results of our prior testing. We've been working toward these trials for several years and we're now approximately 90 days away from what we expect to be positive results. Dr. Oben, an extensively published physician, has a long history of conducting clinical trials and we feel we are in expert hands. We look forward to the conclusions of Dr. Oben's studies."

Oben stated, "It is with great pleasure that the Laboratory for Nutrition and Nutritional Biochemistry at University of Cameroon has been chosen by HEPI to conduct its ProAlgaZyme clinical trials. The role of natural products in promoting immune enhancement is a growing trend and needs to be further explored."

Oben continued, "ProAlgaZyme offers the unique potential of enhancing one's own immune system. The outcome of these trials will be watched with great anticipation by Cameroonian AIDS researchers and the Cameroon Ministry of Health as a means to provide a possible approach to a terrible disease."

Approximately 38 million people worldwide are living with HIV, about 65% of whom (25 million) are living in Sub-Saharan Africa, the region of Africa where the University of Yaounde, Cameroon, is located. Considering the extremely high rate of HIV incidents in the region, HEPI determined that Cameroon would be an ideal place to conduct the HIV clinical trials.

About Health Enhancement Products Inc.

Health Enhancement Products Inc. is a nutraceutical company engaged in the development of a supplementary health-enhancing product using only pure, all-natural ingredients. The company's sole product is ProAlgaZyme, a phytopercolate that is produced from an algae grown in 100% distilled water.

The algae from which ProAlgaZyme is derived produces a protein, most likely as a means of protecting itself from exposure to outside disease and harmful bacteria. The protein solution is then drawn off, filtered, tested and bottled for consumption. In addition to supporting a compromised immune system, recent clinical studies indicate that ProAlgaZyme has potential weight loss properties. ProAlgaZyme has also been shown in a clinical study to have the potential to improve serum glucose management, when combined with a diet low in refined carbohydrates and a light exercise regimen.

For more information, please visit www.heponline.com.

Except for any historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including clinical trial results being different than the company's anecdotal results and the company's ability to fund its operations and market and sell its ProAlgaZyme product. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.

Source: Business Wire

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