NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., June 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ —
Affineti Biologics has received a commitment of up to $500,000 from
Foundation Venture Capital Group (FVCG) to advance its research in
the development of therapeutic and diagnostic products based on new
discoveries in oral biology and dental medicine.
According to James M. Golubieski, president of FVCG, the company
invested in Affineti because positive results from studies for
anti-caries and periodontal therapy look promising in their ability
to affect plaque reduction, influencing dental hygiene and systemic
medicine.
Affineti founder Dr. Daniel Fine, also a professor and chair,
Department of Oral Biology at UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School,
believes the development of products based on his research will
prove more effective than others currently available.
His group uses biological principals to create hybrid or fusion
proteins that adhere to tissues with potent but non-toxic
antimicrobial effects. He hopes to use these proteins to
deliver effective substances locally, avoiding systemic
complications. In the short term, Dr. Fine plans to use these
proteins in conditions related to the oral cavity and then expand
to include mucosal infections in other sites throughout the
body.
“We are focused on anti-caries, periodontal disease therapy and
dry mouth treatment,” Dr. Fine explained. “Additional testing for
yeast and bacterial overgrowth will allow us to bring our product
for an effective mouthwash for anti-caries, periodontitis and dry
mouth to clinical trials shortly.”
In addition to the adverse effect of plaque on dental health,
current research supports the idea that dental plaque buildup also
increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
“The link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease is
strong enough for us to consider that Dr. Fine’s research will
impact health on many levels,” said Dr. George F. Heinrich, vice
chair and CEO of Fo
‘/>”/>
