Cavity-Fighting Gum Designed for Troops Takes Next Step toward Market

Aug 17, 2009

A cavity-fighting gum developed for soldiers who are deployed in areas where they often don't have the time or means to brush or floss is receiving global attention as the product nears testing in an upcoming Phase 1 clinical trial.

The gum was developed by University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy professor Dr. Patrick DeLuca. Currently, the U.S. Department of Defense is advertising worldwide seeking a manufacturer to produce the gum clinical trial material, said Dr. Abeer Al-Ghananeem, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences at UK. Dr. Al-Ghananeem took over last fall as principal investigator of the project funded by U.S. Army Dental Research Detachment (USADRD) after Dr. DeLuca was elected president of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS).

The chewing gum contains an antimicrobial, KSL, which is an anti-adhesive and abrasive agent that disrupts plaque formation and promotes the dissolution of plaque. The goal is to reduce plaque on the teeth when normal oral hygiene is not possible.

"Once the manufacturing facility is retained our role at UK will be under new contract to support the project through in process control and to continue assessing the effectiveness of the protein – the active ingredient," she said. Further studies will determine if the gum will be marketed as an over-the-counter product or by prescription. Dr. Al Ghananeem says she is optimistic that within 18 months to two years that the phase 1 trial will be completed and data produced.

Gum was considered an ideal solution to aid in the oral health of soldiers because the Army already issues gum to soldiers in their field rations. Dr. DeLuca and his research team have worked since 2005 to perfect the prototype, trying to make it taste better and ensure that it retains its bacteria-fighting ability and flavor for 30 minutes to an hour.

Besides providing for the troops, Al Ghananeem is excited about other potential uses for the gum. "I believe the gum could have a global influence, especially in third world countries," she said. "Children born with AIDs in Africa have serious and painful dental problems and I see the gum as a way to enhance the quality of their life. While the focus of the research is on the troops, so many other possibilities exist."