- Dr. Hyun (Michel) Koo and co-workers, University of Rochester, USA, for "A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Prevent Formation of Cariogenic Biofilm." These researchers have developed a novel strategy to reduce the development of cariogenic biofilms by combining two naturally occurring anti-caries/anti-plaque agents with fluoride. By integrating molecular and imaging techniques with an in vivo model simulating clinical conditions, the researchers will enhance the understanding of how the compounds modulate the pathogenesis of cariogenic biofilm development, and expand their potential usefulness as a novel chemotherapeutic approach to the prevention of biofilm-related diseases.
- Dr. Yen-Tung Andy Teng, University of Rochester, USA, for "A Novel Therapeutic Human SCFV-Diabody for Aggressive Periodontitis." This research will evaluate the efficacy regarding the inhibition of periodontal biofilm and tissue inflammation via a bioengineered diabody specific to a virulence factor of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, a known periodontal pathogen. If successful, a next-generation drug could be developed for periodontal therapy.
- Dr. Cun-Yu Wang, University of Michigan, USA, and Dr. Lijian Jin, University of Hong Kong, for "Targeting IKK/NF-êB for Periodontitis." Through international collaboration, the findings from this research may help to develop innovative compounds, including purified components/extracts from traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM), for local delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs to treat periodontitis, as well as other oral inflammatory diseases, to improve public oral health worldwide.
The IADR/GSK awards recognize innovative and novel research that has high potential for rapid impact on the quality of life through the prevention or early treatment of oral diseases and conditions. Dr. David Alexander, director of Worldwide Professional Affairs for GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, noted that "a key and exciting innovation being pursued by all three research teams is the strong emphasis on developing alternative therapeutic pathways and products to the more aggressive antimicrobial therapies currently used in many later-stage treatments for tooth decay and periodontal diseases."
In its third year, the IADR/GSK Oral Care Awards received 25 applications from teams of researchers from around the globe. Each application was reviewed by a panel of experts under the chairmanship of Dr. John Stamm, alumni distinguished professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. The three competitive awards are intended to help investigators pursue innovative and novel research in oral care, above and beyond the bounds of traditional research.
"The IADR is delighted to be partnered with GSK in delivering the Innovation in Oral Care Awards," said Takayuki Kuroda, IADR President. "All three winning entries addressed very significant, but different quality-of-life issues, and we hope these innovative concepts will one day be widely available to those suffering from oral diseases that today are not easily prevented or treated."
About the International Association for Dental Research
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a non-profit organization with more than 11,000 individual members worldwide, dedicated to: (1) advancing research and increasing knowledge to improve oral health, (2) supporting the oral health research community, and (3) facilitating the communication and application of research findings for the improvement of oral health worldwide.
To learn more about the IADR, visit www.dentalresearch.org.
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter healthcare products companies and ranks second globally in sales of oral care products. Its well-known global brands include Aquafresh®, Sensodyne®, Polident®, and PoliGrip®.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
To learn more about GlaxoSmithKline, visit www.gsk.com