Carrington receives 2nd patent on drug delivery polymer.

Carrington Laboratories, Inc. (Irving, TX; 972-518-1300) announced it has received a second patent (United States Patent 6,274,548) to add to the protection of its new technology based on the natural polymer CR1013 which is being developed to deliver a variety of drug candidates for injectable, oral or topical application.

Dr. Kenneth (Bill) Yates, Carrington's vice president of research and development, noted, "Patent protection is critical and essential in the development of any new biomaterial. This patent protects a very unique functional characteristic of our material as we move forward in its development." Carrington's first patent related to this technology was issued in July 1999 protecting the chemical composition of the new polymer.

The latest patent covers methods for isolating and subsequently purifying certain explicit growth factor proteins that interact with CR1013. This interaction provides the capability to deliver these growth factors either topically or by injection for specific pharmaceutical applications.

Yates said the new technology is being developed to compete in the fast-growing drug delivery market, currently estimated to be in excess of $40 billion worldwide with expected growth to $70 billion by 2005. Carrington recently authorized the formation of a new subsidiary, DelSite Biotechnologies, Inc., that will have responsibility for further research, development and marketing of the new technology. DelSite will operate independently of the present Carrington research and development programs.

Carrington researchers also confirmed that the polymer is contained in the company's proprietary raw material, Acemannan Hydrogel used in its wound care products. Of significance is that this new biomaterial can be extracted and purified from the bulk raw materials Carrington currently utilizes in its manufacturing processes.

Carrington is a research-based biopharmaceutical company currently utilizing naturally-occurring polysaccharides to produce Acemannan Immunostimulant, an injectable biologic for the treatment of fibrosarcoma in cats and dogs; Acemannan Hydrogel used in products for radiation dermatitis, and other wound and oral care applications; and a variety of polysaccharide raw materials for use in dietary supplement formulations. Carrington's technology is protected by more than 120 patents in 26 countries.