P&G invents unique remedy for the common cold

From an un-expected direction by a  former employer.    It used to be that curing the common cold was an example of fabled innovation.   Does not seem to be that,  but a start?

P&G invents unique remedy for the common cold
BY Barrett J. Brunsman  – Staff reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier

Procter & Gamble Co. has been granted a patent for a liquid cold medication with the unique combination of a decongestant and the flavor of anise, an herb that some people find tastes similar to licorice or fennel.

The Cincinnati-based maker of consumer goods such as Vicks NyQuil cold and flu remedies (NYSE: PG) stated in a filing with the U.S. Patent & Trademark office that flavors are commonly added to liquid medications to mask an unpleasant taste.

Anise flavoring has been widely used in such medications, in particular nighttime multi-symptom relief cold and flu remedies, P&G stated. Many consumers not only enjoy that flavor but also trust and expect it. 

“Some consumers would like an anise flavored multi-symptom relief cold/flu medication that also contains phenylephrine hydrochloride, a decongestant,” P&G stated. “However, this formulation is not currently sold because it has surprisingly been found that anise flavoring (causes phenylephrine hydrochloride) to degrade, which makes the liquid medication less effective and significantly reduces the shelf life of the product.”  .... "