New Gum Could Replace Toothpaste for Soldiers

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2009) − In the past, America's fighting men and women have relied on sugary gums found in rations as a way to clean their teeth. Thanks to research conducted at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, GI's of the future could be carrying a type of chewing gum that will prevent dental decay and worsening dental problems down the road.

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

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.

The research is being funded by the U.S. Army Dental Research Detachment (USADRD). Currently, the U.S. Department of Defense is advertising worldwide seeking a manufacturer to produce the gum clinical trial material (CTM).

[IMAGE1]The gum was developed by pharmacy professor Patrick Deluca. Last fall, Abeer Al-Ghananeem, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences took over as principal investigator of the project when DeLuca was elected president of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS).

"Once the manufacturing facility is retained, UK will work side by side with manufacturing to oversee the technology transfer, provide feedback and guide them as they come up with a successful formulation," Al-Ghananeem said.

So far, all research has been outside the human body inside a laboratory. Al-Ghananeem's lab contains a chewing machine, property of the U.S. Department of Defense, which actually simulates the human body chewing complete with artificial saliva.

Further studies will determine if the gum will be marketed as an over-the-counter product or by prescription. Al-Ghananeem says she is optimistic that within 18 months to two years that the phase I trial will be completed and data provided.

"Troops come home from war with a lot of dental problems which affects the quality of life," Al Ghananeem said. "They don't always have access to water, toothpaste, a toothbrush or the right time or place to take care of their teeth. This research has a great impact on their health and quality of life but it also has a global impact, especially in third world countries."

"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," she said. "While the focus of the research is on the troops, so many other possibilities exist."

Lt. Col. Jason Cummins, professor of military science at UK, who was deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan said, “Not only would this product be an outstanding resource to soldiers deployed to remote areas with limited access to services, but also would help promote improved hygiene and quality of life amongst the local population in the rural areas of Afghanistan and Iraq.”