Spherix To Begin Testing Of Naturlose(R) Toothpaste To Fight Gingivitis, Plaque

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 15 Nov 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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Spherix Incorporated (Nasdaq: SPEX) is proceeding with initial plans to enter the toothpaste market by offering Naturlose(R) as a natural toothpaste ingredient that fights gingivitis and plaque, while also being safe enough for children to use.

Based on its previous tests showing that Naturlose has the potential to inhibit dental plaque development, the Company has contracted with the Center for Clinical Studies at the University of Maryland's School of Dentistry in Baltimore to conduct a six-month clinical trial with 80 participants to test Naturlose-containing toothpaste for anti-gingivitis and anti-plaque efficacy.

Should the tests return positive results, Spherix will seek to license the technology to a major toothpaste company. Currently, there are only two toothpastes on the market with anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque claims approved. The more popular toothpaste uses triclosan as the anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque ingredient. Triclosan is a synthetic ingredient and is not sold for use by children.

Naturlose, in addition to having potential as an anti-gingivitis/anti- plaque agent, is identical to the natural sweetener, tagatose, and is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for consumption by the Food and Drug Administration, which would make it available in both the adult and children's markets. Naturlose's GRAS status may help Spherix's licensee gain quicker regulatory approval for the above claims.

According to the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General, among adults aged 35 to 44, 48 percent have gingivitis, and 22 percent have destructive gum disease. Among adults, more tooth loss is caused by these periodontal problems than by cavities. Spherix officials believe that a Naturlose-based toothpaste that is "naturally sweet, naturally safe for adults and children, and naturally effective" would be attractive to many such customers.

Certain statements contained herein are "forward looking" statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include, but are not limited to, those discussed in filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the filing on Form 8-K made on March 3, 1999.

Under its motto, "A World of Solutions," Spherix's mission is to create value and increase shareholder wealth through innovations that benefit our clients and the human condition. Spherix offers innovations in information technology, knowledge management, and biotechnology.

Spherix Incorporated
http://www.spherix.com/

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