CSL to develop vaccine against dental caries

Biotechnology giant CSL (ASX: CSL) is set to expand its portfolio of vaccines with a company-backed start up raising $14 million in capital, mostly from a federal government fund.

Denteric Pty Ltd raised the cash from Canberra’s Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF) and private investors to develop a vaccine against dental caries.

The vaccine, which will be in human trials shortly, builds on work over decades at Melbourne University.

This found that infections of the gum by particular bacteria not only caused bone and tooth loss, but had the potential to seriously affect general patient health.

Health minister Greg Hunt said: “Severe oral disease has been linked to many health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s Disease.

“The successful development of this vaccine would assist millions of people around the world, and this project is a worthy recipient of funding.”

The federal fund is managed by Brandon Capital Partners and fosters potential breakthroughs in treatment.

CSL is the world’s second largest producer of vaccines such as for influenza.

A Centre for Oral Health was launched in conjunction with Denteric yesterday.

Picture: University of Melbourne

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