Witten, Germany, June 12, 2010 / b3c newswire / – bitop AG, a biotech company specializing in the development of Ectoin®-containing medical devices, reports that Ectoin allergy nasal spray has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of acute allergic rhinitis in a two-week observational, randomized, comparative crossover study with 50 patients suffering from acute allergic rhinitis. Based on this study, bitop performed a clinical trial on eyes drops and nasal spray in humans using an environmental exposure chamber (EEC) model. The preliminary outcomes suggest a significant improvement of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
Patients used either Ectoin allergy nasal spray or cromoglycinate nasal spray. After one week of treatment, a crossover between the groups was performed with a subsequent one-week treatment. Levels of allergic symptoms were monitored both by physicians and patients using a combined nasal and non-nasal symptom score. The nasal symptom score included congestion, rhinorrhea and errhine.
Both nasal sprays produced significant improvement of all nasal symptoms during the first week of treatment. During the second week, after the groups changed medication, further improvement was observed with both sprays. However, for both products, reduction of the symptoms was not as pronounced as in the first week. The study results indicate that the Ectoin-containing nasal spray is effective in alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
"Ectoin allergy nasal spray has a significant effect in patients with allergic rhinitis. Since this effect was comparable to established medicines, we suggest that Ectoin- containing medical devices are a new option for the treatment of allergic symptoms. Preliminary results of the EEC study support this notion,” says Dr. Dirk Probst CEO at bitop AG.
According to the ratings of both physicians and patients, Ectoin allergy nasal spray was significantly better tolerated than cromoglycinate spray. No adverse reactions have been reported with the Ectoin spray in this study. Patients who first received cromoglycinate spray rated Ectoin allergy nasal spray as being even more effective, indicating that the treatment with Ectoin allergy nasal spray has advantages.
The clinical trial in the EEC has been successfully completed. The results of the study in patients with allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis are currently being analyzed and are expected to be published in autumn 2010.
About Ectoin®
The extremolyte Ectoin (1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid) is a cyclic amino acid that is produced mainly by halophilic bacteria to protect the cells from the extreme osmotic stress associated with saline conditions. Ectoin protects biological macromolecules and structures from adverse environmental conditions, minimizes the denaturation of biopolymers occurring under water stress conditions, and stabilizes proteins by maintaining the protein hydration structure.
The mode of action of Ectoin allergy nasal spray is related to the water-retaining ability of Ectoin and the formation of a protective hydro complex on the nasal epithelium which shields the cells against allergen-induced stress. Furthermore, Ectoin is able to protect human skin epithelial cells against UV radiation by interfering with signaling pathways that are initiated at the level of the cell membrane. Ectoin is water-soluble, chemically stable, non-toxic and highly compatible with cell metabolism.
bitop AG develops Ectoin for the co-treatment of inflammatory diseases and for the protection of human skin from harmful environmental factors .
About bitop - www.bitop.de
bitop AG, located in Witten, Germany, is the only company worldwide able to isolate and produce Ectoin in quantities suitable for supplying the market. The company develops and markets Ectoin-containing medical devices for different therapeutic areas such as asthma, COPD, allergy, and dermatology. Inhalation medical devices containing Ectoin are developed for nebulizer (inhalation solution) or dry powder inhaler (DPI) application and are a near-to-market opportunity for health care companies seeking a partnership for the indications asthma and COPD.
Ectoin-containing products are successfully marketed internationally in the cosmetics area for anti-aging, skincare, and sun protection. Ectoin-containing medical devices are successfully marketed for the care and treatment of skin diseases.
For the treatment of topical skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, bitop has entered a cooperation with Klosterfrau Healthcare Group (MedEctoin® Syxyl Cream).
bitop was founded in 1993 by scientists from the Witten/Herdecke University and has 50 employees. The company has its roots in the area of bioprocessing as well as the cultivation and utilization of extremophilic microorganisms.
Contact:
Diana Graf
bitop AG
Stockumer Str. 28
58453 Witten, Germany
Phone +49 (0) 2302 / 91440-35
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Ectoin® is a trademark of bitop AG, all rights reserved.