Biotech Company Marinomed Successfully Tests New Combination Drug Against Viral Respiratory Tract Infection
• Study delivers initial evidence: single drug could be used to tackle airway infection and reduce inflammation in nasal mucous membrane
• Marinomed extends successful application of Carragelose®
Vienna (Austria), 18 July 2018. Carragelose®, a broadly effective compound for treating cold viruses, can be combined with Xylometazoline, a compound that reduces inflammation in the nasal mucosa without sacrificing efficacy. This is reflected in the findings of an in vitro study which will form the basis for developing a single drug that combats viral infections as well as freeing up blocked airways. The study was carried out by Vienna-based biotech company Marinomed Biotech AG (Marinomed) and the results have now been published in an international journal.
Viral respiratory tract infections often cause inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane or paranasal sinuses. A comprehensive series of tests conducted by Marinomed suggest that these can be effectively treated using a combination of Carragelose®, an agent patented by the company for its efficacy against cold viruses, and Xylometazoline – a well-known drug that targets inflamed nasal mucous membranes.
Carragelose® is a polymer derived from red seaweed which, as clinical testing has proven, is notably effective in treating viral infections of the airways. The drug works by forming a protective layer on the nasal mucosa to prevent infection by cold viruses. The polymer also soothes and moistens the mucosa.
“We are convinced that Carragelose® has a variety of potential uses, and the recently published data show that we are heading in the right direction. We are also working on further products based on this highly effective agent,” said Dr Eva Prieschl-Grassauer, Marinomed’s founder and a member of the company’s management board. “The test results show that the effective combination of Carragelose® and Xylometazoline can generate benefits for patients, and this is another important step in extending our Carragelose® platform,” she added. At present, Carragelose® is available through Marinomed’s sales partners in more than 30 countries worldwide, in the form of five different products including nasal and throat sprays and lozenges.
Original publication: Development of a nasal spray containing xylometazoline hydrochloride and iota- carrageenan for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion caused by rhinitis and sinusitis. C. Graf, A. Bernkop-Schnürch, A. Egyed, C. Koller, Eva Prieschl-Grassauer, M. Morokutti-Kurz. International Journal of General Medicine 2018:11 1-9
About Marinomed Biotech AG
Marinomed is a Vienna based biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of innovative products in the field of respiratory and ophthalmological diseases based on its IP protected technology platforms.
The platform Carragelose® comprises innovative patent protected products targeting viral infections of the respiratory tract. Carragelose® is used in nasal and throat sprays and lozenges, which are sold in more than 30 countries around the world in collaboration with international partners.
Marinosolv© is a patent protected technology platform increasing the bioavailability of hardly soluble compounds for the treatment of sensitive tissues such as nose and eyes.
Further information is available at www.marinomed.com and www.carragelose.com.
Contact – Marinomed:
Dr Eva Prieschl-Grassauer
Chief Scientific Officer
Veterinärplatz 1
1210 Vienna, Austria
Tel. +43 (0)1 25077 4460
E-mail: eva.prieschl@marinomed.com
http://www.marinomed.com
Contact for media requests:
PR&D – Public Relations for Research & Education
Mariannengasse 8
1090 Vienna, Austria
Tel. +43 (0)1 5057044
E-mail: contact@prd.at
http://www.prd.at
