Oral health vaccine manufacturer receives $14 million

A vaccine developed by Denteric Pty Ltd has won $14 million in funding from the Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF).

Based on research conducted at the University of Melbourne and with the support of biotechnology company CSL Limited, the vaccine fights severe oral disease.

According to Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, severe oral disease can lead to significant issues such as bone erosion and tooth loss.

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

The vaccine will specifically target periodontal disease, a gum disease which affects one in three people. The potential for such a vaccine is large, said Medical Research Commercialisation Fund CEO, Dr Chris Nave.

“Current methods for treating periodontal disease are archaic and painful. Looking at the science and market opportunity for Denteric, the Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) vaccine research program has great promise and the vaccine would be a blockbuster if it comes to market.”

The $14m grant comes from the BTF, which supports to development of industrial research in the biomedical field, highlighted Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews.

“Our companies are at the cutting edge of industrial research and the Government fosters their efforts with a range of initiatives, including involvement in the $500 million Biomedical Translation Fund, which is backing this exciting project,” said Andrews.

The latest round of funding comes after a series of grants which were delivered to the University of Melbourne’s Oral Health CRC which received $30 million in the Cooperative Research Centres Program as well as $162 million from industry and research participants.

To continue this research, the Centre for Oral Health was launched by the Australian Government along with Denteric, which will continue to innovate in the field of oral health and associated healthcare.

“The fund fosters both potential breakthroughs in health treatments and business opportunities that will assist Australian companies, boost the economy and create high quality jobs,” said Andrews.