A September 21, 1998 press release from Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (AMEX: HEB) (Price: $7.6875) regarding Ampligen quoted an unnamed spokesperson for CFIDS Network, Inc., a chronic fatigue syndrome advocacy group, as stating that “Ampligen works and is needed immediately!!” and that Ampligen is “an especially safe drug.” In a letter dated September 22, however, Ronald G. Smith, the president of CFIDS Network, informed Dr. William Carter, CEO of Hemispherx, that “Our officers would never authorize such a statement. Further, we have not appointed anyone to be our spokesperson or agent. We consider your unauthorized use of our name and comments attributed to our corporation to be slander.” On September 23, CFIDS Network issued a release stating, “In the past 12 years, we have been in contact with many people with CFIDS who were treated with Ampligen. In our experience, no PWC [person with chronic fatigue] has received lasting benefits from this medication. Many suffer from a myriad of side effects.” Despite this letter and release, on September 28, HEB published a press release restating its claims that the CFIDS Network endorsed Ampligen.
Short selling involves a risk not associated with the purchase of stock including, but not only limited to, unlimited loss and stock borrowing risks. Additional information is available upon request.