TECHNOLOGY PARTNERING/LICENSING/ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITY   On behalf of our client, Solventum, yet2 announces Kalahari, next generation dry mouth technology. This technology and related business assets are available for acquisition or licensing.   Technology Title: Next generation dry mouth technology   Technology Owner: Solventum   Value Proposition:  Solventum’s proprietary dry mouth technology provides users with an innovative xerostomia relief treatment, protecting both hard and soft tissue.  The oil/water emulsion-based technology provides actual moisture, rather than simply saliva production, and the added minerals help improve oral health.  In a double-blind clinical trial – ·         65% of users preferred the Solventum product over the market leading product ·         Subjects reported feeling an improvement in dry mouth symptoms sooner

Market Needs Addressed

It is estimated that dry mouth affects approximately 22% of the global population with a higher prevalence in the elderly (2018, Agostini et al).  Certain populations are at a much higher risk.  The American Dental Association reports that:

• Xerostomia affects an estimated 30% of patients older than 65 years and up to 40% of patients older than 80 years; this is primarily an adverse effect of medication(s).
• Patients affected by Sjogren’s disease report that the primary symptoms are dry mouth and dry eyes.
• Oral complications of cancer chemotherapy or head and neck cancer radiotherapy can cause xerostomia/salivary gland hypofunction via direct toxicity to salivary glands and oral tissues, or indirect damage due to regional or systemic toxicity.

 

The severity of the condition can range from mild discomfort to significant oral disease affecting an individual’s quality of life.  Reduced salivary flow can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking; it can also increase the chance of developing dental caries, demineralization of teeth, tooth sensitivity, and/or oral infections.

 

There is a market need for a non-prescription effective, long lasting xerostomia relief treatment.  Current OTC treatments suffer from short duration of relief of symptoms, longer delay before relief of symptoms or poor efficacy.

 

Technology Description

 

Key Features and Benefits

The Solventum formulation is the only oil/water emulsion (dual phase) system for xerostomia relief and provides a novel opportunity. 

• Oil phase provides long lasting moisturization by providing a protective layer.
• Water phase promotes enamel protection by including Calcium/phosphate, pH buffer, mucoadhesive polymers, lubricating polymers and anti-plaque ingredients.

In a double-blind crossover study (2019), vs Biotene, statistically significant results include:

• 65% of subjects preferred the Solventum product (vs. 18% preferred Biotene, 15% no preference)
• Subjects reported feeling an improvement in dry mouth symptoms sooner with use of the Solventum product (measured as days of use before improvement)

In the same study, the following non-statistically significant trends were identified:

• Longer duration of relief for Solventum product
• Improved quality of life for Solventum product
• No measurements showed a trend towards preference for Biotene

Benefits of the Solventum formulation include:

• Dry mouth relief for up to 4 hours
• Mild, pleasant flavor
• Easy to use
• Patents cover multiple formats – Spray, rinse, lozenges, toothpaste, gel, chews and others
• 2-year shelf life
• All ingredients are food grade ingredients without any known geographical restrictions

 

Patent Portfolio and IP

Seven patent families including composition of matter patents. 

• >10 granted worldwide patents
  • 11,779,446; 11,801,231; 11,324,681; 12,053,538.
• 11 Published patents
• Countries filed: US, EP, CN, JP, AU, BR

 

In addition to patents, the following supporting IP is included:

• License or acquisition of registered patents.
• Double blind cross-over study comparing Kalahari to Biotene.
• Manufacturing trade secrets (to at least pilot scale, maybe higher scale).
• Bio-compatibility package
• Shelf-life 2- year stable data
• Data package to support 510K filing

 

Additional Development Required

• The Solventum mouth rinse formulation is fully developed and ready for manufacture. Stability studies would need to be conducted for the packaging of choice.
• The additional formats (lozenges, toothpaste, gel, chews and others) will require development but are covered in the patents.

 

Partnership Opportunities

Solventum is seeking a partner or partners that have the ability to promote and integrate this technology in the oral health market either as a cosmetic or an OTC product, and is ready to support the right partner with the needed IP, assets and strong technology expertise.

 

Company Overview

Solventum is an $8 billion, 22,000-person American health care company that was spun off from 3M on April 1, 2024.   Solventum solutions span across four business segments – Medical Surgical, Dental Solutions, Health Information Systems and Drinking Water Filtration Business. Solventum solutions are relied on everyday within the global healthcare industry, and ultimately contribute to higher-quality patient care, more efficient processes and workflow, and improved standards of safety and accuracy.

 

Further Information

Additional information not subject to confidentiality requirements will be provided to interested parties. Extensive additional information may be made available to qualified interested parties under the provisions of a confidential disclosure agreement.

 

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