ULURU Awarded a U.S. Army Small Business Innovative Research Grant; Grant to Support the Development of a Wound Dressing for Burns

Business Wire, Nov 1, 2005

DALLAS -- ULURU INC. ("ULURU") who has signed a definitive merger agreement with Oxford Ventures, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: OXFV) today announced the award of a U.S. Army Small Business Innovative Research ("SBIR") Grant. E[acute accent]The U.S. Army SBIR Program has competitively selected a proposal that utilizes ULURU's Hydrogel Nanoparticle Aggregate Technology for award and contract negotiation. The objective of the SBIR proposal solicitation, topic number A05-131, was to design and manufacture a wound dressing that can be placed over burns to enhance the rate of wound closure. Such a dressing should be capable of absorbing wound fluids, speed up the rate of wound healing, require few dressing changes (e.g. can be left in place for up to seven days), provide antibacterial action, deliver nutritive substances, have a long shelf life (e.g. one year) and not require special storage conditions (e.g. freezing). E[acute accent]We believe that ULURU's Hydrogel Nanoparticle Aggregate Technology is well suited for wound healing as it is designed to modify the biochemical environment of a wound in order to maintain an optimum moisture balance with concomitant drug release and has the necessary properties to achieve the design features outlined in the U.S. Army SBIR proposal. Utilizing our innovative Hydrogel Nanoparticle Aggregate topical delivery technology for development of an advanced burn care product outlined in this SBIR is a primary focus of our burn care and wound management product portfolio. ULURU is striving to develop in vitro and in vivo proof-of-concept experiments as specified in the Phase I objectives of the SBIR proposal. To date, we are showing promising results for the improved treatment of burns. E[acute accent]ULURU is applying for up to a $1 million fast-track Phase II SBIR funding to develop and demonstrate the efficacy of a prototype wound dressing and move into human clinical trials. By improving treatment to return damaged skin to optimal appearance and normal function in the shortest time, we anticipate that this wound dressing could be used in a broad range of military and civilian medical settings and may benefit many military and civilian patients suffering from chronic vesicant injuries.

E[acute accent]Commenting on the SBIR award Kerry P. Gray, President and CEO of ULURU stated, "This is an important scientific validation of our Hydrogel Nanoparticle Aggregate Technology for the development of burn and wound management products. We look forward to working with the Army to optimize a burn care product for military use."

E[acute accent]ULURU Inc. is an emerging specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development of a portfolio of topical delivery technologies to provide patients and consumers with an improved clinical outcome through controlled delivery utilizing its innovative transmucosal delivery system and Hydrogel Nanoparticle Aggregate Technology.