Amarillo Biosciences, Inc has launched Maxisal, dietary supplement to enhance salivary function, promote oral comfort and help relive dry mouth, in Germany. Maxisal is marketed in Germany by ABI’s licensee Egofocus OHG based in Darmstadt. The first target market in Germany is cancer patients. There are over 400 medications, including some oncology drugs, that cause dry mouth as a severe side effect. By taking Maxisal, cancer patients may be able to relieve at least one of the side effects of cancer therapy. Maxisal was first offered for sale after clinical studies in subjects with Sjogren’s syndrome (characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth) reported that the ingredient in Maxisal significantly improved mouth comfort and decreased mouth and throat dryness.

“Based on the favorable reception Maxisal has met in the US, which we attribute to the product’s clinical and safety benefits, as well as reasonable cost-- we fully expect that it will be successful in Germany,” said Dr Joseph Cummins, president and CEO, ABI.

Separately, the company announced that it has prepared a dietary ingredient for natural food distributors to market as a dietary supplement. The ingredient is derived from animals in the feed yards of the Texas Panhandle.

“After more than 30 years of experience testing cytokines, in animals and man, we have developed a novel dietary ingredient derived from ruminant animals,” said Dr Joseph Cummins, “We are seeking distributors of dietary supplements worldwide and have initiated discussions in the USA, China, and South America. The animal product will be available in June and revenues from both of the dietary supplements are expected to help the company fund its US FDA clinical trials of oral human interferon in influenza and hepatitis C,” added Dr Cummins.

Amarillo Biosciences, is a US biotechnology firm operating in global partnership with the Hayashibara Group, which also holds 6 per cent of Amarillo Biosciences shares and has provided over US$ 18 million in loans, grants and equity investments.