Oragenics patents probiotic ingredient as it pursues global opportunities
The issuance of the patent was received from the United States Patent and Trademark office for ProBiora3, which is a proprietary blend of naturally occurring oral bacteria shown to produce a wide range of oral care benefits.
Not all bacteria are bad
"The concept behind ProBiora3 takes advantage of the observation that not all bacteria are bad," explained Oragenics' Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Jeffrey Hillman.
"In a complex environment like the mouth, we predicted that we would find certain types of bacteria that are associated with healthy teeth and gums. Finding these bacteria and using them to create ProBiora3 is the first of several innovative technologies discovered from oral biology, which Oragenics plans to bring to the marketplace."
According to the Florida-based company, ProBiora3 contains three strains of beneficial oral bacteria that help maintain a healthy microbial balance in the mouth. It was also keen to point out that the new ingredient is completely natural and is made in the USA in an FDA-registered and GMP-certified facility.
The ProBiora3 technology was developed by Hillman during 25 years of research which began at the Harvard affiliated Forsyth Institute in Boston and was fully developed at Oragenics.
This technology is currently available in Oragenics' line of probiotic products for oral care including EvoraPro, EvoraPlus, EvoraKids, EvoraPet and Teddy's Pride.
How does it work?
When the ProBiora3 ingredient enters the mouth and contacts saliva, the freeze-dried probiotics activate and attach themselves to the teeth and gum tissue, establishing Colony Forming Units of live, active bacteria both on the surface of the teeth and deep beneath the gum line.
These colonies compete for both nutrients and space with the opportunistic bacteria known to be linked to pathogenic activity in the mouth.
Oragenic says that with daily replenishment, the ProBiora3 bacteria re-establish the natural microbial balance in the mouth and create whiter teeth, fresher breath and healthier teeth and gums.
Potential ‘game-changer’
"ProBiora3 has the potential to be a real game-changer for the consumer packaged goods industry as consumers are becoming increasingly familiar with probiotic products and their health benefits," said Gerry David, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing.
"As awareness grows further, we believe suppliers who incorporate ProBiora3 into new and existing product formulations will gain a meaningful competitive advantage with ProBiora3 serving as a powerful differentiating factor."
The new ingredient has the potential to be a beneficial ingredient for a wide range of product categories and applications, according to Oragenics.
The most obvious are oral care products such as toothpaste, rinses and floss; however other products that are consumed orally have also been targeted.
The emerging functional foods and beverage category provides a significant opportunity for the integration of ProBiora3. Consumers of yogurt, for instance, are aware of the beneficial effects of probiotics for digestion and immune health.
New opportunities in wellness categories such as nutritional supplements, where consumers are receptive to products containing new ingredients (particularly those that are science-based), and present potential partnerships with recognized brands globally.
