Popular Mechanics Ranks Oragenics, Inc.'s SMaRT Tooth Decay-Fighting Technology #1 Among Its “20 New Biotech Breakthroughs That Will Change Medicine”

ALACHUA, FL--(Marketwire - March 19, 2009) - Popular Mechanics has cited Oragenics (OTCBB: ORNI) (www.oragenics.com) and its patented SMaRT Replacement Therapy tooth decay-fighting bacterial strain #1 among its “20 New Biotech Breakthroughs That Will Change Medicine” published in the monthly magazine’s March 2009 issue.

The Popular Mechanics article states: "... Bacteria living on teeth convert sugar into lactic acid, which erodes enamel and causes tooth decay. Florida-based company ONI BioPharma (Oragenics) has engineered a new bacterial strain, called SMaRT, that cannot produce lactic acid -- plus, it releases an antibiotic that kills the natural decay-causing strain. Dentists will only need to swab SMaRT, now in clinical trials, onto teeth once to keep them healthy for a lifetime... "

Oragenics’ patented replacement therapy technology is the result of 25 years of research conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Hillman, the company’s Chief Scientific Officer. Most human tooth decay is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus mutans that sits on the tooth surface and converts sugar in a person’s diet to lactic acid. The lactic acid is excreted by the bacteria and causes tooth decay by dissolving the mineral that comprises the enamel and dentin. Dr. Hillman and his research team have isolated a strain of S. mutans that produces a small amount of an antibiotic that is capable of killing all other strains of this species. Through recombinant DNA technology, Dr. Hillman’s group succeeded in eliminating the gene in this strain that is responsible for producing lactic acid.

In addition to launching a program to develop and license the SMaRT technology throughout the dental industry, Oragenics applied its science of using the body’s natural bacteria for promotion of long-term dental health and wellness to create EvoraPlus™, the company’s proprietary probiotic mint that naturally supports gum and tooth health while freshening breath and whitening teeth. An over-the-counter product, EvoraPlus™ is available now at major mass and online retailers.

At the heart of the breakthrough probiotic product is Oragenics’ patented Probiora3™ culture blend, a powerful proprietary ingredient that uses natural resident beneficial bacteria to crowd out problematic harmful bacteria while supporting healthy gums and teeth. At the same time, the continuous low doses of hydrogen peroxide produced naturally by the Probiora3™ blend of beneficial bacteria serves to whiten teeth.

Dr. Hillman stated, “We are delighted to have been recognized by Popular Mechanics, which has placed our SMaRT Replacement Therapy technology at the top of their prestigious list of 20 new biotech breakthroughs. We are committed to bringing the science of SMaRT to the dental industry and consumers worldwide as an effective, life-long method of preventing tooth decay.”

About Dr. Hillman

Dr. Jeffrey Hillman founded Oragenics, Inc. to commercialize the fruits of 25 years of research at the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute in Boston and the University of Florida. Currently a professor emeritus at the University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Dr. Hillman has continued his work at Oragenics on final development of several cutting-edge health technologies. Dr. Hillman has authored or co-authored more than 125 publications and textbook chapters on subjects related to the etiology and cure of caries (cavities), periodontal (gum) diseases and other infectious diseases and cancer. Dr. Hillman received his undergraduate training at the University of Chicago; his DMD degree from Harvard School of Dental Medicine; and his PhD from Harvard Medical School.

About Oragenics, Inc.

Oragenics, Inc., is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing unique proprietary technologies, some of which are being commercialized and sold in the over-the-counter consumer healthcare market. The company also has a number of products in discovery, preclinical and clinical development, with a concentration in the main therapeutic area of infectious diseases, diagnostics, and oral health. The company is located in Progress Corporate Park at 13700 Progress Boulevard in Alachua, Florida, approximately 15 miles from the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville.