IRVING, Texas, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Carrington Laboratories, Inc., today announced they have filed a lawsuit against Mr. Tom O'Brien, president of the Center for Natural Healing. The lawsuit alleges unauthorized use of Carrington's Manapol(R) mark by Mr. O'Brien. In addition, a website operated by Mr. O'Brien contained libelous and disparaging statements regarding Carrington, Manapol(R) powder and the drug substance acemannan. These statements were fraudulently posted as a press release from the International Aloe Science Council ("IASC"). However, when asked, the IASC stated they did not issue this press release nor did they authorize the use of their logo or name by Mr. O'Brien. The suit was filed on November 28, 2006 in the Dallas County District Court.
A company spokesperson emphasized that the actions taken by Carrington does not preclude legal actions by the IASC or any member of IASC.
"The statements that appeared on the website were inaccurate and misleading to consumers," stated Ms. Pamela Schonbeck, Sr. Director of Sales & Marketing. "Carrington will not tolerate infringement of our trademarks or defamatory statements against our company, products or technology. We will be monitoring websites that use the Manapol(R) mark and evaluate the use of our marks in literature from various companies." She added, "Carrington will license the use of its trademarks to organizations producing quality products using Carrington's proprietary raw materials."
About Manapol(R)
Manapol(R) powder is a patented, product by process from the inner gel of the Aloe vera L. plant that contains polymeric polysaccharides primarily in the form of mannose. It is produced using a precipitation process with medicinal-grade ethanol. This process preserves the polymeric polysaccharides in Aloe vera at their freshest and most bio-active state. Manapol(R) is never subjected to heat, enzymes nor charcoal filtration during its process. Manapol(R) powder is regulated as a dietary supplement ingredient and carries a DSHEA claim for immune enhancing. It can be used in a variety of dietary supplements such as capsules, tablets, liquids, powder blends, and power bars. Manapol(R) is a trademark, recognized as a "product by process" and protected by patents in the United States, Japan, and other countries.
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 markets consumer products and manufactures quality products for other companies. Manufacturing operations comply with cGMP standards. Carrington's DelSite Biotechnologies subsidiary is developing its proprietary GelSite(R) technology designed to provide controlled release of peptide and protein-based drugs. Carrington's technology is protected by more than 130 patents in 26 countries. Select products carry the CE mark, recognized worldwide. 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: Pamela L. Schonbeck of Carrington Laboratories, Inc.,+1-972-518-1300
Web site: http://www.carringtonlabs.com/
