Johnson and Johnson reports Arestin efficacy for gum disease

Johnson & Johnson company OraPharma has announced the publication of a study showing that administration of Arestin (minocycline hydrochloride) microspheres in conjunction with standard gum disease treatment procedures significantly reduces the destruction of tissue and bone.

The firm notes that a combination of the locally-delivered antibiotic with standard treatment fosters a better environment for healing through the control of periodontal infection.

When used in conjunction with scaling and root planning (SRP), Arestin reduced the number of disease-causing red complex bacteria that trigger gum disease by 29 per cent.

Dr J Max Goodson, lead investigator for the study and senior member of the Department of Periodontology at the Forsyth Institute, said: “Our findings can have a significant impact on the way periodontal disease is treated.

“In addition, Arestin significantly reduced the tissue damage caused by periodontal disease to a greater extent than treatment by SRP alone.”

He added that an analysis of the benefits and risks of Arestin show that there is little added risk while presenting a clear case of benefit for patients.

In March 2007, OraPharma announced the publication of a study in the New England Journal of Medicine boosting evidence the connection between gum disease and early signs of cardiovascular conditions.