The Council has authorized publication of the report which appears below declaring Mervenol and Armervenol, marketed by the Hille Laboratories, inadmissible to New and Nonofficial Remedies.
W. A. Puckner, Secretary.
Mervenol is stated by the proprietors—The Hille Laboratories, Chicago—to be a hydrosol (colloidal suspension) of the sulphides of mercury and copper, containing sufficient sodium chloride to make it isotonic with blood serum, and “inert proteid” and “carbohydrate” to stabilize the colloidal suspension: each cubic centimeter is stated to contain 0.005 gm. mercury, 0.0016 gm. copper, and 0.0016 gm. sulphur.
It is claimed that this preparation is of value in pneumonia, influenza, and other conditions and diseases requiring increased leukocytosis.
It is further claimed that the properties and therapeutic effects of this preparation are as follows: “Practically non-irritant; practically non-toxic; lower temperature, often crisis like; lower pulse, with better elimination; greatly accelerated recovery from Influenza; fewer Pneumonia complications; lower mortality rate in Influenza and Pneumonia; remarkable Leucocyte stimulation.” Administration by mouth and by intramuscular and intravenous injection are advocated.
In the recent influenza epidemic, it is reported that therapeutic results of some value were obtained at the Great Lakes Training Station and at Fort Sheridan. The reports of certain medical officers indicate that this preparation seemed to have some effect on the course of pneumonia and influenza, on the temperature, and on the leukocyte count. But those conducting the experiments state that it was “absolutely impossible” to fulfil ideal conditions as to controls and other observations at the time the experiments were conducted.
So far as the Council knows, no effort has been made to determine the potent constituent, or constituents, of this preparation; whether the mercury, the copper, or the protein in the mixture was responsible for the claimed benefits is an open question.
These reports were given careful consideration, but it was decided not to accept this preparation because of (1) exaggerated therapeutic claims, conflicting with Rule 6 (aside from the report of its use in influenza and pneumonia at the Great Lakes Training Station and the Post Hospital at Fort Sheridan, which reports are of work done and observations made under conditions which did not permit careful controls, no evidence has been presented to the Council supporting the therapeutic claims) and (2) being an irrational mixture, conflicting with Rule 10—a mixture containing colloidal mercury, copper and sulphur with proteins and carbohydrates in addition, it is difficult to predict the changes which occur in such mixtures on standing.
Samples of Mervenol (two 1-ounce bottles) submitted by the manufacturer, June 5, 1919, were found when opened, Aug. 18, 1919, to have undergone decomposition. A very disagreeable odor had developed, the liquid was turbid, and a large amount of precipitate had formed.