HEPI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Announces Initiation of U.S.-Based Clinical Trial of ProAlgaZyme to Corroborate Previous Clinical Trial Results in Metabolic Syndrome

Trial Will Study Potential Effect of ProAlgaZyme on Cholesterol and C-Reactive Protein Levels


SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- (MARKET WIRE) -- March 22, 2007 -- HEPI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Health Enhancement Products, Inc. (OTCBB: HEPI), announced today that an Institutional Review Board (IRB) has granted approval to initiate a clinical study of the potential effects of ProAlgaZyme on Metabolic Syndrome patients. The double-blinded, placebo-controlled study will be conducted by MAPS Applied Research Center, Inc., a research firm based in Edina, Minnesota, U.S.A. This study is designed to build on the results of a recently completed study of ProAlgaZyme in which statistically significant improvements (p=0.05 or lower) were seen in key prospective markers in Metabolic Syndrome patients, including C-reactive protein down 57% in the ProAlgaZyme group vs. down 7% in the placebo group; total cholesterol down 32% in the ProAlgaZyme group vs. down 2% in the placebo group, and HDL ("good cholesterol") levels up 41% in the ProAlgaZyme group vs. down 7% in the placebo group. Results from this new study are expected to be received in September 2007.

The coordinator for the clinical trial will be Dr. Terence Pertile, a research scientist at MAPS Applied Research Center. Dr. Pertile commented, "We are pleased to be asked to conduct this study. ProAlgaZyme is an interesting product and the data we obtain should help focus its potential use in the marketplace." Thomas Ingolia, CEO of HEPI Pharmaceuticals, added, "We are delighted to be able to work with a highly competent and credible research facility, MAPS Applied Research Center, and are looking forward to receiving the result of this trial, which we anticipate will corroborate the previously announced results, which were very encouraging."

About Metabolic Syndrome, Cholesterol, and C-Reactive Protein

Metabolic Syndrome, also called Syndrome X, is a collection of symptoms including metabolic and lipid imbalances. It is estimated that the condition afflicts about 1 in every 4 persons in the U.S., and as high as 4 out of every 10 individuals aged 60 and above. According to the American Heart Association, Metabolic Syndrome is associated with obesity and Type II Diabetes. Cardiovascular risk is associated with the imbalances in cholesterol levels and ratios often seen in the syndrome, including elevated total cholesterol and low ratios of HDL ("good cholesterol") to LDL. Another marker associated with cardiovascular risk is C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a blood marker that according to the American Heart Association is elevated in patients with systemic inflammation and can be used as an indicator of cardiovascular risk, with low, moderate and high cardiovascular risk assigned to ranges of CRP.

About ProAlgaZyme and HEPI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

ProAlgaZyme is a nutraceutical product which is manufactured using only pure, all-natural ingredients. ProAlgaZyme is a liquid product produced from algae grown in 100% distilled water. The liquid in which the algae are grown is drawn off, filtered, tested and bottled as ProAlgaZyme. HEPI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Health Enhancement Products, Inc., is focused on development of pharmaceutical opportunities represented by ProAlgaZyme.

Except for any historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain 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 involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including the timing of completion of a trial, actual future clinical trial results being different than the results the company has obtained to date, our inability to obtain regulatory approvals necessary to market and sell PAZ as a pharmaceutical, and the company's ability to secure funding, including for the subsidiary's pharmaceutical development of PAZ. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.

For more information, please visit www.heponline.com.

Contact Information: Contact information: Thomas D. Ingolia CEO Email Contact: Email Contact 480-385-3800