IRVING, Texas, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Carrington Laboratories, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: CARN) today announced Dr. Michael C. Burgess (R-TX 26th) visited DelSite Biotechnologies, Carrington's wholly-owned subsidiary, to review the Company's progress on development of a nasal powder delivery system for vaccines and, in particular, on development activities related to its nasal powder vaccine with pandemic H5N1 (bird flu) antigen.
Dr. Burgess was briefed about advantages of the DelSite nasal powder delivery system with regard to its ease of administration, long-term product stability, and the potential it holds for stockpiling vaccines. The nasal powder technology is well suited for administering seasonal flu as well as most routine vaccines. In addition, one nasal delivery device may be used to deliver multiple childhood vaccines.
As announced last week, DelSite received a shipment of clinical-grade H5N1 (bird flu) antigen and is in the process of producing clinical batches of the vaccine for human clinical testing later this year.
Congressman Burgess was also briefed on DelSite's development of a nasal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and how nasal vaccines, when fully developed, may signify a paradigm shift in the way vaccines are administered. Additional benefits of nasal vaccine delivery may include significant healthcare cost savings on a national and global scale because preservatives, adjuvants, needles and cold storage are not required. DelSite's nasal powder platform technology offers many advantages for stockpiling of biodefense vaccines and distribution of vaccines in case of a pandemic.
The key to DelSite's nasal delivery technology is the ability of its proprietary GelSite(R) polymer to gel upon contact with body fluids found in the nasal cavity. The resulting gel adheres to the nasal mucosal surface, preventing the normal 12- to 15-minute clearance of substances in the nose. This prolonged nasal residence time allows more of the active component of the vaccine to be absorbed, thus providing better systemic protection as well as protection at the site where viruses most often enter the body.
The nasal powder technology has demonstrated the ability to successfully deliver proteins, peptides and other therapeutics. The powder may also be constituted with sterile water and administered as an injectable; it requires no adjuvant due to the naturally sustained-release character of the GelSite(R) polymer.
Dr. Burgess is an outspoken advocate in Congress for national preparedness against bird flu, global pandemics and terrorist use of biologic weapons.
About DelSite
Carrington's wholly-owned subsidiary DelSite Biotechnologies, Inc. is developing its proprietary GelSite(R) technology designed to provide controlled release of peptide and protein-based drugs and vaccines. DelSite is currently developing a nasal powder vaccine using its GelVac(TM) formula with the H5N1 avian flu antigen. This work is partially funded by two grants from NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) of NIH (National Institutes of Health) under the Department of Health and Human Services.
About Carrington
Carrington Laboratories, Inc. is an ISO 9001-certified, research-based, biopharmaceutical and consumer products company currently utilizing naturally-occurring complex carbohydrates to manufacture and market products for mucositis, radiation dermatitis, and wound and oral care. Carrington also manufactures and markets consumer products and manufactures quality products for other companies. Manufacturing operations comply with cGMP drug standards. Carrington's technology is protected by more than 130 patents in 26 countries. Select products carry the CE mark, recognized by more than 20 countries around the world. For more information, visit http://www.carringtonlabs.com/.
Certain statements in this release concerning Carrington/DelSite may be forward-looking. Actual events will be dependent upon a number of factors and risks including, but not limited to: subsequent changes in plans by the Company's management; delays or problems in formulation, manufacturing, distribution, production and/or launch of new finished products; changes in the regulatory process; changes in market trends; and a number of other factors and risks described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities & Exchange Commission.
Carrington Laboratories, Inc.
