Double-Blind Study Examines Tolerability of Ester-C

PHOENIX, May 04, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- A clinical study of Ester-C manufactured by Zila, Inc.'s (ZILA) , wholly-owned subsidiary, Zila Nutraceuticals, Inc., showed that the Ester formulation of vitamin C caused significantly fewer adverse epigastric effects (stomach upsets) and was much better tolerated by the body compared to regular vitamin C. This was the first double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate whether Ester-C causes fewer gastric upsets, the primary complaint of vitamin C consumption, than regular vitamin C. The study was published in a recent issue of Advances in Natural Therapy(R).

"We have known for years that Ester-C should be better tolerated than regular vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. This being confirmed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical study gives vitamin consumers, a proven reason in addition to the other benefits to take Ester-C," said Douglas D. Burkett, Ph.D. Chairman, CEO and President of Zila.

Ester-C is a pH neutral advanced formulation of vitamin C, providing consumers, especially those who are sensitive to acidic foods, with a form that is easier for the body to tolerate. During the patented process of Ester-C production, the ascorbic acid undergoes changes similar to those that occur in the body. This results in enhanced levels of valuable metabolites only found in Ester branded vitamin C. Ester-C is also quickly absorbed and continues to work in the immune system for 24 hours.

"As a practicing medical physician, I am always concerned about `first doing no harm' when it comes to recommending either pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products for my patients," says Vern S. Cherewatenko, MD, MEd, a member of Zila's scientific advisory board. "The recent study confirming that Ester-C has fewer gastric complications and better tolerance keeps it as my first choice when making recommendations to my patients. I also recommend Ester-C to other clinicians considering which formulation to recommend to their patients."

About Zila, Inc.
Zila, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, is an innovator in preventative healthcare technologies and products, focusing on enhanced body defense and the detection of pre-disease states. Zila has three business units:
-- Zila Pharmaceuticals, marketer of products to promote oral health and prevent oral disease, including ViziLite(R) Plus oral examination kits and Peridex(R) prescription periodontal rinse.

-- Zila Biotechnology, a research, development and licensing business specializing in pre-cancer/cancer detection through its patented Zila(R) Tolonium Chloride and OraTest(R) technologies.

-- Zila Nutraceuticals, manufacturer and marketer of Ester-C(R) and Ester-E(R), branded, highly effective forms of Advanced Protection vitamins C and E.

For more information about Zila and Ester-C(R), visit www.zila.com.

his press release contains 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 are based largely on Zila's expectations or forecasts of future events, can be affected by inaccurate assumptions and are subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond the Company's control. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein. A wide variety of factors could cause or contribute to such differences and could adversely impact revenues, profitability, cash flows and capital needs. There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will, in fact, transpire or prove to be accurate. For a more detailed description of these and other cautionary factors that may affect Zila's future results, please refer to Zila's Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended July 31, 2005.