Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. Received a Warning Letter From the Food and Drug Administration

Zicam nasal sprays and swabs may cause permanent loss of smell and taste and consumers should stop using them, U.S. regulators warned today, sending shares of manufacturer Matrixx Initiatives down.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 16, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. (Nasdaq: MTXX), today received a Warning Letter from the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA"). The FDA has asserted that the Company is in violation of its regulations by failing to file a new drug application for its Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel and Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs and that those products are misbranded under their regulations for failing to adequately warn of risks. The FDA referred to numerous complaints it has received of anosmia associated with the use of these products.

The Company believes these products are safe and do not cause anosmia. The Company's position is supported by the cumulative science and has been confirmed by a multi-disciplinary panel of scientists. (See the Company's Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Legal Proceedings - Product Liability Matters" for additional information.)

The Company believes the FDA action is unwarranted and is in the process of determining its response, which may include removing these products from the marketplace. These products constituted approximately 40% of the Company's net sales in 2009.

About Matrixx Initiatives, Inc.

Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. is engaged in the development and marketing of over-the-counter healthcare products that utilize innovative drug delivery systems. Zicam, LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, markets and sells Zicam(R) products in the cough and cold category. For more information regarding Matrixx products, go to www.Zicam.com. To find out more about Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. (Nasdaq: MTXX), visit our website at www.matrixxinc.com. For additional information, contact William Hemelt, Acting President and Chief Operating Officer, 602-385-8888, or Bill Barba, Treasurer, at 602-385-8881. Matrixx is located at 8515 E. Anderson Dr., Scottsdale, Arizona 85255.

Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer:

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," and other similar statements of expectation identify forward-looking statements and include statements regarding response to the Food and Drug Administration. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted or quantified and are beyond the Company's control. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: (a) the severity and timing of the cold season; (b) the possibility that future sales of our products will not be as strong as expected; (c) the possibility that supply issues may impact future sales of our products; (d) the possibility that our products may face increased competition or negative publicity; (e) the potential impact of current and future product liability litigation; (f) regulatory issues including requirements by the FDA or public relations challenges; (g) the possibility of delays or other difficulties in selling our products in Canada or in implementing new product improvements and introducing to the marketplace new products and brands; (h) and the possibility that expenses, including legal expenses, product reserves, and expenses associated with adverse litigation outcomes or the voluntary product recall, may exceed expected amounts. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 8, 2009, under the heading "Risk Factors," filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We do not undertake, and we specifically disclaim, any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Matrixx Initiatives, Inc.

http://www.matrixxinc.com