News

from Carrington Laboratories, Inc.


For Immediate Release
December 3, 1996

For Information Contact:
Jim Blackmore, APR
(972) 714-5046 or (800) 471-8817

CARRINGTON LABORATORIES INTRODUCES NEW

MOISTURE-MANAGING FOAM WOUND DRESSING

IRVING, TEXAS (12/3) -- Carrington Laboratories, Inc., (NASDAQ: CARN) has announced the introduction of CarraSmart™ Foam, a foam dressing specially designed for the management of moisture in wounds.

CarraSmart™ Foam is introduced specifically for the management of venous stasis ulcers, diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, partial thickness wounds, first and second degree burns, abrasions and lacerations, full-thickness wounds and donor sites.

CarraSmart™ Foam is a breathable, absorptive, self-adhesive foam dressing with hydrophilic (water attracting) properties. It helps to balance the moisture in a wound environment by managing wound exudate with the combination of its absorption and evaporative properties.

Three layers make up this unique smart foam. Layer one is a hydrophilic polyurethane film which helps manage moisture levels in the wound; layer two is also hydrophilic and consists of an open-celled foam membrane to further manage moisture; layer three is a porous pressure sensitive adhesive.

The benefit in using CarraSmart™ Foam lies in moisture management. Because of this property, wound dressings using CarraSmart™ Foam do not have to be changed as frequently, resulting in cost and time savings to the care provider, both very important in the managed-care marketplace. Domestic market size for this type of product in 1995 was $16.2 million with annual growth estimated at 24 percent.

"CarraSmart™ Foam adds another distinct product to Carrington's wound care product line," said Kirk Meares, Carrington vice president of sales & marketing. "This new product in conjunction with Carrasyn®, the number one selling hydrogel, and CarraKlenz, the number two selling cleanser, opens up new opportunities for more efficient wound management."

The above statements about Carrington's CarraSmart™ Foam are forward-looking. Actual impact on the company will be dependent upon a number of factors and is subject to a variety of risks including but not limited to the following: subsequent changes in plans by the company's management; delays or problems in product development; changes in industry trends; actions of the company's competitors; the extent to which the company succeeds in marketing the product; and a number of other factors and risks described from time to time in the company's reports filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.

Carrington Laboratories, Inc., is an emerging research-based pharmaceutical and medical device company engaged in developing complex carbohydrate-based therapeutics and oral technology products, and in manufacturing and marketing products for the management of wounds. Carrington currently has more than 50 products on the market.

Carrington Laboratories Inc
2001 Walnut Hill Lane
Irving, Texas 75038
Tel:(972) 518-1300
Fax: (972) 518-1020