Novel formulation makes for potent antiseptic

Highlights

• Although iodine has been shown to be effective in bacteria-associated dental diseases, such as caries and periodontal infections, it has not been used commercially due to its instability in aqueous solutions
• Iodine inhibits enzymes which play a significant role in dental plaque formation
• Novel dental formulation does not require alcohol for mouthwash preparation
• Formulation complete; ready for clinical trials

Our Innovation

• This new formulation is composed of solid iodine or povidone iodine dissolved in tetraglycol (glycofurol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol polyethyleneglycol ether). The iodine can be at a concentration of between 0.00001 and 50%. Water may be added without affecting the solubility of the iodine in the tetraglycol, enabling the preparation of water-based solutions.

Key Features

• Four times more potent than current commercial antiseptic solutions
• May be used as a component of toothpaste or mouthwash
• May be used to disinfect drinking water
• Prevents dental plaque formation

Development Milestones

• Ready to prepare Helsinki protocols for clinical trials

The Opportunity

• Tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children aged 2-5, with that number increasing in older categories; tooth decay is also a problem for adults, especially for the increasing number of older adults who have retained most of their teeth
• 54% of U.S. adults have some form of gingivitis and 78% have one or more cavities or fillings
• The global consumption of biocides in antiseptics and sterilants was $265 million at active manufacture level in 2006
• Global oral hygiene market was worth $21 billion in 2004, of which $2 billion was mouthwashes and dental rinses

U.S. Israeli and Singapore patents granted, pending application in Europe