BOTHELL, Wash. and ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Helix BioMedix, Inc. , a developer of bioactive peptides, and Grant Industries, a privately held developer, manufacturer and marketer of cosmetic, textile, and performance specialty chemicals, today announced the successful results of a human panel test for Grant’s new proprietary acne blend for use in over-the-counter acne products. The acne solution, Granactive(TM), combines Helix BioMedix’s proprietary Oligopeptide- 10 with salicylic acid and Grant’s Invisiskin(TM), an ingredient used to enhance delivery of bioactive compounds.
The panel test compared a formulation containing Granactive(TM) with Oligopeptide-10 to a market leading benzoyl peroxide based product in treating Grade 3 (moderate) or greater acne conditions. Results of the panel test showed that treatment with Granactive(TM) was clearly superior in reducing the number of comedone (non-inflammatory) lesions at each evaluation. In addition, Granactive(TM) treatment resulted in significantly fewer comedones after only 7 days of use indicating efficacy that was not only superior but also more rapid. Counts of other lesion types associated with the condition of acne (papules, pustules, and cysts) corroborated the comedone data. Irritation decreased throughout the six week evaluation with both treatments, and these scores were significantly reduced at days 28 and 42 with the Granactive(TM) formulation.
Paul Granatell, Executive Director of Grant Industries, commented, “The results of the human panel test of our new anti-acne blend which contains Helix BioMedix’s Oligopeptide-10 exceeded our expectations. The U.S. market for anti-acne products sold over the counter is estimated at $488 million and we believe there is a significant opportunity for product enhancements. At Grant Industries, selling quality products and providing quality service to our clients is key and we are very excited to market this new improved anti- acne formulation to our cosmetic company customers. We also look forward to continuing to work with Helix BioMedix to help address the growing demand for value added ingredients.”
R. Stephen Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix BioMedix, added, “We are very excited to be working with Grant Industries. Grant has relationships with many major cosmetic companies and we see significant opportunities for the incorporation of Oligopeptide-10, not only in over-the-counter acne products, but in a range of skin care lines. As the panel test demonstrated, the inclusion of Oligopeptide-10 in Grant’s anti-acne solution has produced a significant benefit. We look forward to bringing high quality cosmetic ingredients to the marketplace in collaboration with Grant and believe there is the potential to see products launched and revenues received by Helix BioMedix before the end of 2006.”
About Grant Industries
Grant Industries is a privately held company, located in Elmwood Park, NJ, involved in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of cosmetic, textile, and performance specialty chemicals. The company’s involvement in the textile industry dates back 60 years and four generations. Grant offers the cosmetic industry a diversified product line of Gransil silicone elastomer gels and powders, specialty materials and formulated products. The company maintains manufacturing and warehousing in Elmwood Park, NJ, Mexico, Dominican Republic, England, Korea, Japan, China, South Africa and the European Union. More information about the company can be found on the company’s website at www.grantinc.com.
About Helix BioMedix
Helix BioMedix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has a portfolio of issued patents that covers six distinct classes of peptides, including over 100,000 unique peptide sequences. The company’s mission is to become the industry leader in developing and commercializing small proteins known as bioactive peptides. The antimicrobial and wound healing properties of these peptides qualify them for inclusion in a wide range of both pharmaceutical and consumer products. The company is currently focused on the development of selected peptides as topical anti-infectives and in wound healing. Non- pharmaceutical applications being pursued by Helix BioMedix include adjuvants for cosmetics/cosmeceuticals, personal care, plant health, animal health and wide-spectrum biocides. More information about the company and its proprietary peptides can be found on the company’s website at www.helixbiomedix.com.
Important Notice
This press release contains forward-looking statements (statements which are not historical facts) within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including activities, events or developments that the company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including Helix BioMedix’s ability to successfully raise additional capital, enter into revenue generating license agreements, continue its research and development efforts, including pre- clinical and clinical studies, and general economic conditions. Additional assumptions, risks and uncertainties are described in detail in our reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such filings are available on our website or at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Contact: Helix BioMedix, Inc. David H. Kirske, 425-402-8400 dkirske@helixbiomedix.com or: Grant Industries, Inc. Paul Granatell, 201-791-8700 pgranatell@grantinc.com Investor Relations: Cameron Associates Alison Ziegler, 212-554-5469 alison@cameronassoc.com
Helix BioMedix, Inc.
CONTACT: David H. Kirske of Helix BioMedix, Inc., +1-425-402-8400,dkirske@helixbiomedix.com; Paul Granatell of Grant Industries, Inc.,+1-201-791-8700, pgranatell@grantinc.com; or Investor Relations: AlisonZiegler of Cameron Associates, +1-212-554-5469, alison@cameronassoc.com
