What is Cross-Linked Polyanionic Saccharide?
Veterinary Gastrafate® utilizes a naturally occurring saccharide as its active ingredient;
this active ingredient is cross-linked non-covalently in solution to allow enhanced
coating and adherence (sticking) to the mucosa.
A saccharide is a sugar molecule. Polyanionic saccharide is a sugar molecule accessorized
with multiple electronegative side groups. Naturally occurring electronegative side groups
include phosphates, sulfates and hydroxides. Sucralfate, commonly known as Carafate is a
synthetic polyanionic saccharide made by chemically sulfonating table sugar, a dissacharide.
However, there are many naturally occurring polyanionic saccharides, many of them are
mucilages found in plants and fruits.
Veterinary Gastrafate® utilizes one such naturally occurring polysaccharide as the active
ingredient. Since 1989, our scientists have been working with many naturally occurring
polysachharides. The aim of our research was to identify the best-in-class polyanionic
saccharides. What was disappointing was that for the GI tract these naturally occurring
polyanionic saccharides do not work well alone in powder from and many of them do not
dissolve well into solution.
MMI has patented a unique method to promote the clinical effectiveness of naturally occurring
polyanionic saccharides. Firstly, we discovered a good way to make these compounds dissolve
in water. Secondly, we dissolve them in a manner such that only a fraction of their weight
is required to obtained clinical effects. Thirdly, we have formulated a method that enhances
the strength and concentration that these saccharides adhere to the mucosal lining.
Importantly, this muco- adherence is unperturbed by acid, bile or bacteria.
Cross-link formulation is our patented method to improve dissolution of mucilage saccharides
in water, reduce the concentration of saccharide required for a clinical effect and enhance
the surface concentration of the saccharide on the mucosa.
Thus this supplement-based product, Veterinary Gastrafate® supports existing mucosal
elements that are designed to reduce diarrhea, reverse vomiting and to accelerated
healing irritation, erosions and ulcerations. This support occurs on contact regardless
of the presence of acid, bile or infection.
