BOSTON, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Life sciences startup PhotOral announced today it has licensed a patented technology from Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute to develop a novel intraoral device that uses blue light for targeting and obliterating potentially harmful dental plaque microorganisms.
The agreement empowers newly-launched PhotOral to commercialize Forsyth’s photomedicine portfolio, addressing the $7 billion oral care market. PhotOral Founder and CEO, Stamatis Astra says he’s in the midst of fundraising an initial round to support prototype production, clinical trials, and marketing operations. “Our goal is to have the first intraoral light cleaning device available by late 2012,” explains Astra. “We are honored to be working closely with Forsyth experts to create a portfolio of blue light therapy products, ultimately creating an evolutionary move in the oral care experience.”
Forsyth Institute, the leader in oral and craniofacial research, will conduct PhotOral’s clinical trials. In 2005, Drs. Nikos Soukos, DDS, PhD and Max Goodson, DDS, PhD demonstrated the susceptibility of key periodontal pathogens to blue light, suggesting the potential use of phototherapy as a targeted antimicrobial method to control growth within the dental plaque environment. The use of visible light to restore and maintain the homeostatic balance of oral microorganisms can yield microbiological, immunological and clinical benefits.
“The licensing agreement with PhotOral is a great way to get our technology out there to benefit a broad range of people,” said Philip Stashenko, DMD, PhD, President and CEO of Forsyth Institute. Founding Scientists Goodson and Soukos added: “We look forward to bringing together our respective communities to open new research paths and deliver a new generation of affordable healthcare devices to the mass consumer.”
For inquiries or interviews with PhotOral Founding Scientists or CEO, please call (617) 416-4897.
About PhotOral
Boston-based PhotOralT is a life sciences startup focused on translating patented oral light technology for the consumer market with a portfolio of light therapy products and devices.
About The Forsyth Institute
Established in 1910, The Forsyth Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts is the world’s leading independent nonprofit research organization focused on oral, craniofacial and related biomedical science. Forsyth’s mission is to lead the discovery, communication and application of breakthroughs in oral health and disease prevention that will significantly improve the health and well-being of the nation and the world.
Contact: @AndoniaPR: (617) 416-4897 or via email media@photoral.com
SOURCE PhotOral
