ANDEN Therapeutics (ANDEN) is an early stage company using a patented platform technology to target the root cause of the starting point of most all diseases that occur in the oral cavity. ANDEN was formed as a result of collaboration between AthenaES and Novora, Inc. to develop dental products to reduce dental plaque in humans and companion animals (veterinary application). By degrading pre-formed plaque and preventing the formation of new plaque structures, most and certainly all bacterial-originated of the diseased conditions that occur in the oral cavity.
Geriatric Oral Care. Almost 26 million people over 65 years old have some level of mobility imparement that limits quality oral care and of these, 1.5 to 2.0 million are in nursing homes. Another 6.5 million require assistance with daily living activities. These population segments are expected to double by 2020. The inability of geriatric patients to control dental plaque, the consequence of which is an increased incidence of root caries, adversely affects the patients nutritional status, quality of life and increases the likelihood of tooth loss.
There is no oral care product specifically designed for geriatric patients for either removing or preventing dental plaque. Treatment plans for oral care in these patients for manual plaque removal must consider their limited motor skills. Currently, the only option available to geriatrics with reduced or impaired motor skills is care giver assistance in manual plaque removal (brushing) to achieve acceptable oral health care. However, due to costs and limited resources, care givers today are not able provide the necessary assistance. The number of institutionalized geriatrics and those patients with inadequate motor skills, e.g. stroke-related paralysis, Parkinsons or Alzheimers patients, who require caregivers to brush their teeth, is increasing while the number of care givers is, at best, remaining constant. These geriatric patients make up the under served medical need and market for an oral treatment to control plaque that results in root caries.
The proliferation of root caries in geriatric patients is an epidemic. This epidemic is due to the increasing age of the population and the increased co-morbidities (Parkinsons, severe arthritis, stroke-induced paralysis etc.) in these patients whose manual dexterity has been compromised.
Companion Animal Oral Care. Control of periodontal disease in companion animals (dogs and cats) remains a significant need, with growing veterinary concern for related systemic disease. This need to reduce dental plaque is not being met with products that are effective and convenient for pet owners to use with their pets. ANDENs products would be suitable as an additive to pet treats, animal food, drinking water and veterinary-applied oral treatments. Furthermore, ANDENs products would be a more cost-efficient and less dangerous method than general anesthesia for removing plaque deposits.
Strong public service campaigns have been carried out by the veterinary industry to educate pet owners about pet dental health. These campaigns reached a measurable audience of more than 90 million people nationwide through television, radio and print formats. This educational effort heightened awareness and informed pet owners about the adverse consequences of oral plaque buildup, including gum disease, in their companion animals. In addition, the scientific literature indicates that one of the objectives of ANDENs anticipated products will also have a positive impact on controlling oral malodor (canine halitosis).
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by the age of three years, with 7.5% of dogs and 10% of cats having severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease in animals begins, as it does in humans, with plaque build up. Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition affecting dogs and cats.
Infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth are caused by bacteria present in plaque and calculus (tartar). Bad breath, bleeding and inflammation of the gums, receding gums, and loosening with the eventual loss of teeth are characteristic of the condition. Prophylactic treatment to keep the teeth clean is therefore of great importance. Veterinarians may recommend an oral hygiene program that includes regularly brushing your pets teeth with toothpaste formulated for animals. Diet is a major factor in the development of plaque and calculus. Soft or sticky foods encourage plaque build up; hard diets and certain chewing toys are beneficial. A specially formulated diet with dental benefits (reduced accumulation of plaque and calculus) is now available for dogs. None of these beneficial measures or products is satisfactory in preventing gum disease in pets due to inadequate efficacy.