Breakthrough antibiotic for gum disease that does not harm microbiome

Flightpath Biosciences Inc and The ADA Forsyth Institute, two leading oral health research organizations, are delighted to unveil an impressive breakthrough in fighting gum disease and related systemic conditions. A groundbreaking discovery made by scientists at Flightpath’s Forsyth Institute was discovered through research published in Journal of Oral Microbiology involving first-in-class, small molecule narrow spectrum antibiotic FP 100 (Hygromycin A). Fusobacterium nucleatum is one of several key pathogens involved with periodontitis as its development has been associated with many serious systemic conditions as well.

Periodontitis treatment should include using FP 100 toothpaste regularly as part of an effective strategy to manage periodontitis symptoms.

“Black and white data rarely comes up,” noted Alpdogan Kantarci, DDS, PhD of ADA Forsyth who led this groundbreaking study. The results were unmistakable: with FP 100 we could eliminate Fusobacterium nucleatum from oral cavities, reverse tissue destruction and prevent disease progression without harming beneficial microbiome communities. Co-authors Drs Nil Yakar Yilmaz and Ozge Unlu from Kantarci’s team demonstrated its efficacy both in vitro and using mouse models of periodontal disease; while Drs Lujia Cen, Hatice Hasturk Tsute Chen Wenyuan Shi and Xuesong He also played vital roles in conducting their groundbreaking study!

“These findings offer strong proof that FP 100 could be an essential treatment option in treating severe gum disease,” stated Matt Tindall, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flightpath Biosciences Inc, which funded this research at ADA Forsyth University Hospital. This antibiotic could prevent or treat advanced forms of gum disease.

Gum disease affects nearly 57% of individuals aged 30 and up, rising to 60% among those 65 or over. Later stages are characterized by progressive destruction of jawbone tissue which ultimately can result in tooth loss; currently available treatments aim to slow its progress but most aren’t covered by dental insurance policies and there’s no known cure available yet.

Antibiotic Development in a new Era

An exciting discovery made through this study is how effective antibiotics were at only targeting Fusobacteria without harming beneficial bacteria essential to human health – something periodontal disease has long presented as a challenge due to antibiotics usually wiping out both harmful and beneficial microbes simultaneously.

As antimicrobial medication treats a disease, they will typically kill all bacteria that contribute to its overpopulation of pathogens. With antibiotic-resistant superbugs on the rise, being able to eradicate dangerous pathogens using narrow spectrum antimicrobial drug candidates represents a paradigm shift in antibiotic development; eliminating key pathogens is vital in controlling disease.”
Dr. Alpdogan Kantarci, DDS and PhD is currently employed at ADA Forsyth and serves as Senior Scientist.

Systemic Health Implications

Antibiotic use could extend beyond oral care to protect against chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, colon and pancreatic cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, preterm births, inflammatory bowel diseases and rheumatoid arthritis.

“Fusobacterium is an insidious pathogen,” according to Dr. Kantarci. Studies demonstrate its spread from oral cavities into other parts of the body where it colonizes and causes disease, in turn becoming part of systemic prevention measures. A recent publication demonstrated this. Furthermore, eliminating Fusobacterium early is considered systemic prevention.”

Kim Lewis of Northeastern University led a team of researchers in rediscovering this promising antibiotic candidate known as FP 100 (hygromycin A). Their focus was to find an antibiotic capable of targeting Borelliella burgdorferi bacteria which cause Lyme Disease.

Looking Forward
ADA Forsyth and Flightpath Bio have filed a joint patent application for FP 100 antibiotic, intending to explore further in clinical trials before expanding it for other conditions caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum. Dr. Kantarci noted, “we are entering an exciting era in local and systemic disease prevention with selective targeting harmful bacteria while protecting beneficial microbes – opening doors to novel approaches which could significantly enhance patient outcomes”.