IRVING, Texas, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Carrington Laboratories, Inc., today announced they have signed a term sheet with Veterinary Products Laboratories, a division of Farnam Companies, Inc., for a supply and trademark agreement for Acemannan Immunostimulant(TM), a biologic injectable treatment for fibrosarcoma in dogs and cats. Under the agreed upon conditions in the term sheet and the ensuing contract, expected to be signed shortly, Carrington agrees to supply Acemannan Immunostimulant(TM) to VPL under an exclusive agreement for a period of up to three (3) years. During that period, VPL will be responsible for the exclusive sales and distribution of the product.
Kirk Meares, Vice President of Carrington's newly formed Veterinary Medical Division stated, "This term sheet is the first major agreement for the Veterinary Medical Division and guarantees annual revenues from Acemannan Immunostimulant(TM). Additionally, VPL's twenty years of industry experience and strong distribution network provides Carrington with national access to veterinarians whose patients can benefit from Acemannan Immunostimulant(TM). We look forward to developing a close working relationship with VPL."
In 1991, the USDA granted Carrington conditional approval to market an injectable form of a complex carbohydrate as an aid to surgery in the treatment of canine and feline fibrosarcoma, a form of soft tissue cancer, under the name of Acemannan Immunostimulant(TM). The product was conditionally approved based on safety and efficacy studies. Carrington was successful in meeting the USDA requirements for removal of the conditional status, and an unrestricted license was issued in July 2000.
About Acemannan Immunostimulant(TM)
Acemannan Immunostimulant(TM) consists of long-chain polydispersed B- (1,4)- linked mannan polymers interspersed with O-acetyl groups. Acemannan Immunostimulant is indicated for use in the dog and cat as an aid in treatment (i.e.surgery) and clinical management of fibrosarcoma. Acemannan stimulates macrophage to release Tumor Necrosis Factor (TFN), Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), triggers an increase in natural killer cell and cytotoxic T-Cell activity, potentiates cellular and humoral immunity and increases macrophage release of Nitric Oxide (NO) that contribute to tumor breakdown. This action extends patient survivability when used as an adjunct to surgery in the treatment of canine and feline fibrosarcoma and improves tumor margination without the typical side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation.
About Veterinary Products Laboratories
VPL is a manufacturer of wound management, behavioral, nutritional, and insecticidal products, as well as medical devices for the veterinary community. Over the last 20 years, Veterinary Products Laboratories has successfully brought to market products such as D.A.P. (R) Dog Appeasing Pheromone Diffusers, Feliway(R) Diffusers and Spray, Duraclactin(R), a new approach for chronic inflammation, VPL Sutures and Tissumend II, the first synthetic absorbable tissue adhesive. The Mycodex (R) and Adams (TM) lines are the most recognized names in shampoos and sprays. VPL is the exclusive partner for BD (Becton Dickinson) medical devices in the Unites States. Through partnerships with our distributors, VPL reaches veterinary clinics across the entire United States.
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, wound and oral care, as well as to manufacture and market the nutraceutical raw material Manapol(R) and cosmetic raw material Hydrapol(TM). Carrington also manufactures and distributes a complete line of wound care products for the professional veterinarian through its Veterinary Medical Divison (CarraVet(R) Wound Care and the new EquineVet(TM) Advanced Wound Therapy for horses). Carrington also manufactures and markets consumer products and manufactures quality products for other companies. Manufacturing operations comply with cGMP standards. DelSite Biotechnologies, a subsidiary of Carrington, is developing its proprietary GelSite(R) technology designed to provide controlled release of peptide and protein-based drugs. A platform technology for a powder nasal delivery system is being developed for vaccine with emphasis and funding from the US HHS for the H5N1 (Bird Flu) Antigen. 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 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, including the Form 10-Q, filed November 14, 2006.
Carrington Laboratories, Inc.CONTACT: Kirk Meares, Vice President of Carrington Laboratories, Inc.,+1-972-518-1300
Web site: http://www.carringtonlabs.com/
