Book Critics

"Cold Wars: The Zicam Story" is a non-fiction book that tells the story of Dr. Charles B. Hensley, an unconventional former professor, and his journey to develop Zicam, a potential cure for the common cold. Hensley teams up with former student Rob Davidson to launch a biotech company, facing various challenges such as investor skepticism, partnership conflicts, and competition from established products like Cold-EEZE.

Despite these difficulties, they successfully develop Zicam, utilizing their research on zinc's impact on cold viruses. The book captures their journey through triumphs and struggles, highlighting key moments involving investor negotiations and the eventual launch of Zicam, which receives notable attention and acclaim.

The narrative explores themes of ambition, resilience, and transformation, reflecting Hensley's personal growth and stability. Ultimately, Zicam emerges as a successful product, changing the lives of its founders and having a lasting impact on the healthcare industry.

Sylvia Jacobs

"Cold Wars: The Zicam Story" is a 2026 science fiction action-adventure film inspired by Dr. Charles B. Hensley's non-fiction book of the same name. The movie dramatizes the incredible journey of Dr. Hensley and his student, Rob Davidson, as they develop the groundbreaking Zicam cold remedy. It explores their evolution from a small biotech startup to a major healthcare success, facing intense business challenges, investor skepticism, and fierce competition from rival products like Cold-EEZE.

While rooted in real scientific research—particularly zinc's antiviral properties—the film blends biographical storytelling with science fiction and action-adventure elements to captivate audiences. The story centers around Dr. Hensley's unconventional approach to science and entrepreneurship, highlighting his later ventures into music and film production through Hensley Records.

Based on the detailed account in Dr. Hensley's book, the film dramatizes the entrepreneurial struggles, scientific breakthroughs, and corporate battles involved in bringing a "cure" for the common cold to market, emphasizing themes of innovation, perseverance, and the power of scientific discovery.