Carrington Laboratories Applies for Patent to Reduce Negative Effects of Vitamin A in Dermatology Preparations.

IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 1997--Carrington Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: CARN) has applied to the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office for a patent application for the invention of a novel approach for the use of retinoic acid (Vitamin A) and for the reduction of skin irritations associated with the use of Vitamin A in certain dermatological applications.

Carrington's patent application provides a unique approach for the reduction of the irritation problems associated with Vitamin A used in the management of skin conditions by combining it with ingredients made from the company's patented complex carbohydrates. Vitamin A is the active ingredient in products designed for the primary treatment of skin acne and skin-aging associated with sunlight. Vitamin A is also known to cause skin irritations. Carrington's patent application is targeted toward reducing skin irritations associated with preparations currently on the market which contain Vitamin A.

Carrington Laboratories is a leader in complex-carbohydrate technology and uses that technology to produce the number one hydrogel preparation used in hospitals and nursing homes and in home health care in United States. Currently, these hydrogel products are used in the management of sunburns, radiation-induced dermatitis, ulcers and other skin conditions.

Certain statements in this release may be deemed forward-looking. Actual impact on the company will be dependent upon a number of factors and is subject to a variety of forces including but not limited to the following: actions of the U.S. Patent & Trademark office; problems that may be encountered in developing new products, obtaining required marketing clearances thereof from government agencies, or achieving adequate customer acceptance thereof; subsequent changes in plans by the company's management; changes in industry trends; actions of the company's competitors; and a number of other factors and risks described from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities & Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 1996 and Form S-3 filed Dec. 2, 1996.

Carrington Laboratories, Inc., is an emerging research-based pharmaceutical and medical device company engaged in developing complex carbohydrate-based therapeutics and oral technology products, and in manufacturing and marketing products for the management of wounds. Carrington currently markets more than 60 products.

CONTACT: Jim Blackmore, APR, for

Carrington Laboratories, 972/714-5046 or 800/471-8817