Fertin develops battle ready antimicrobial chewing gum

The deal with the USADRT will be beneficial to both parties, in that the patented antimicrobial decapeptide belongs to USADRTD, while Danish Fertin is applying their know-how related to the development of medical chewing gum.

According to the agreement, Fertin Pharma will develop the first antimicrobial chewing gum, to be used by the US military forces and the public. The deal with USADRTD has the potential to become substantial, as dental emergencies threaten readiness of deployed military forces.

It has been estimated that dental diseases account for up to 20 per cent of disease and non-battle injuries (DNBI), with military operations in hostile environments not having capacity to treat dental emergencies.

The advantages of using an antimicrobial chewing gum instead of other methods, is that a gum releases the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) - decapeptide- more slowly, in around 30 minutes. This gives a prolonged protection against plaques, cavities and gum diseases. In addition, it is easier to use a gum than to swallow a tablet, which will be an advantage to soldiers in the field, according to Fertin Pharma.

"The deal we have entered is a development agreement. Hence, we do not have a ready designed formulation. But our scientists will make use of a range of technologies covering taste masking, controlled release and development of gum bases​," said Bo Tandrup, business development manager for Fertin Pharma.

Fertin has not yet been decided whether the gum will be coated. The manufactured product may benefit from coating, because that means xylitol, a tooth friendly sugar substitute, can be added. Xylitol may also aid treatment of minor cavities caused by caries.

"We are pleased to have established this collaborative relationship with USADRT​, " said Lars Christian Nielsen, Fertin Pharma's chief executive officer.

"Together, we will continue the USADTRD mission of developing a product that can improve dental health among first of all US deployed military forces, but secondly it is a promising and highly interesting candidate for wide distribution to the public​".

The idea of a public product launch came from the USADRTD. At this early stage we can not estimate when the antimicrobial gum will reach the OTC market, but it will take years and it will happen only after successful use among the US armed forces​," said Tandrup. Should it come to the market it is likely that a third party will handle the marketing, he added.

The majority of Fertin Pharma's turnover is based on nicotine products, with a global share of nicotine gum market estimated at around 30 per cent. The global demand for nicotine chewing gum increased Fertin Pharma's turnover in 2005 by 88 per cent year-on-year.