Experimental data demonstrating that Gliatech Inc.'s semi-synthetic carbohydrate polymeric gel is able to reduce scarringfollowing back surgery were reported in the July issue of theJournal of Neurosurgery.

Researchers from the University of Tennessee and Cleveland-based Gliatech reported that the carbohydrate gel, Adcon-L,reduced the extent of scarring -- as evaluated bymicrodissection and microscopic tissue analysis -- in rabbitsfollowing a total laminectomy procedure. Dense scar formationand adhesion to surrounding tissue were evident in theuntreated control sites, whereas the Adcon-L treated sitesshowed significantly decreased scar formation and adhesions.

In December, privately held Gliatech initiated European clinicaltrials on Adcon-L for inhibiting excess scarring following backsurgery.

(c) 1997 American Health Consultants. All rights reserved.