Mode of Action :: Carragelose

Virus-blocking

Unspecifically blocks respiratory viruses causing the common cold

Allergen-blocking

Blocks allergens on the mucosal surface

Moistuirizing

Adds moisturizing film to mucosal surfaces

Carrageenan

Carragelose® containing products owe their effectiveness to carrageenan, a high molecular weight polymer of the sugar-like molecule galactose which may carry sulfate groups derived from a number of species of red seaweeds of the class Rhodophyceae. This class of molecules has been used for several decades as a food additive and for medical purposes and is considered to be safe for human consumption. Carrageenan is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Regulations (21 CFR 182.7255).

Protective layer

Carragelose® forms a protective barrier on mucosal surfaces in a purely physical mode of action. Due to the high water-binding capacity of carrageenan, Carragelose® forms soft gels in the presence of water, which leads to a protecting and moisturizing film on mucosal surfaces. On the one hand, this film acts as a barrier against various external influences such as viruses or allergens, and on the other hand, it moisturizes the mucous surfaces, which helps to keep it healthy and resilient. Due to its excellent safety profile and physical mode of action, Carragelose® may be used in a multitude of different applications.

Virus-blocking

Virus particles entering the nasal cavity are blocked by the viscous layer of carrageenan, consequently they cannot infect mucosal cells. Additionally, newly synthesized virus particles excreted from infected cells are blocked from infecting new cells. This mechanism is supported by clinical data which demonstrate that carrageenan leads to a significant reduction of the viral load in nasal fluid and prevents new infections. Carrageenan also forms a moisturizing layer on the mucosa, helping to heal the damaged mucosal surfaces and alleviating the nasal symptoms of the infection. The Carragelose®-blocked virus particles are cleared from the mucosal surfaces by the activity of the nasal cilia, fine hair-like structures on the mucosa that aid in transporting foreign particles away from the mucosal surfaces. Thereby, the natural defense mechanism of the body is further supported, leading to a shorter duration of the disease by up to two days. The cold might not even come, stay shorter or leave faster.

Allergen-blocking

Results from a clinical study show that Carragelose® exerts a barrier function that is not only effective in shielding the nasal mucosa from respiratory viruses, but also from allergens like pollen. This is particularly important, as patients suffering from allergic rhinitis are also sensitive to viral respiratory infections as these may worsen the underlying allergic disorder. These results substantiate the property of Carragelose® to form a non-specific barrier, which extends the use of the product from viral respiratory infections to allergy-associated symptoms like hay fever. Furthermore, clinical data on the decongestant Sorbitol-containing Carragelose® nasal spray showed the effectiveness of reducing a blocked nose due to allergic rhinitis.

Moisturizing

Due to its excellent water-binding and -retaining properties, Carragelose® forms soft gels in presence of water, resulting in a lubricating and hydrating film. This film helps to keep mucosal surfaces healthy and resilient to external influences such as dry air. Next to an application in the nose and throat, Carragelose® can also be used as eye lubricant, providing relief for dry and irritated eyes.

Benefits

Clinically validated and patent protected
Favourable safety profile - also to be used in children older than one year
Unspecific blocker against various external influences, such as viruses or allergens
Full-season and versatile product portfolio
CE-certified (MDD)
Carragelose products are classified as medical devices and are on track for MDR transition
Preservative-free formulations

Safety and effectiveness

The safety and effectiveness of Carragelose® have been established in several clinical and non-clinical trials. Three double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials confirmed the virus-blocking effectiveness, a significant reduction of the duration of the disease, a significant reduction of viral load and a reduction of relapses. Clinical studies also demonstrated the effectiveness of Carragelose® in the prophylactic treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms in the nose.