Therex, LLC

Therex LLC is an emerging biotechnology company located in Buffalo, New York that discovers and develops improved products for the oral and dermal health care markets. Therex utilizes its proprietary and patented drug platform technology, i.e., topically active drugs that posses both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, to produce safer and more effective treatments for oral and skin conditions with large markets and unmet needs. These conditions include gingivitis and resultant periodontal disease, acne, and chronic skin wounds such as those found in diabetic ulcers, bed sores and severe burns. 

Therex's lead drug candidate, Naphthafluor, is currently in development as a treatment for gingivitis and acne supported, in part, with funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through its Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) programs and from its strategic partner, a Fortune 500 U.S. based oral and personal care product company.

The total US oral health care market in 2002 was approximately $5 B, and toothpastes constituted the largest product category with sales greater than $1.75 B. Mouth rinses were second, with sales greater than $600 M. Colgate's recently introduced "Total" brand of anti-gingivitis toothpaste captured 8% of the toothpaste market in 2002, and other companies such as Pfizer are attempting to enter this new market category with existing products having new anti-gingivitis claims. In side by side evaluations, Naphthfluor performed significantly better than all of the active ingredients in each of these products.

Therex has just received a $1.1 M "Fast Track" SBIR grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) at the NIH to assist in progressing Naphthafluor as a treatment for gingivitis and resultant periodontal disease. Therex is seeking to raise an additional $1M in investor funding to complete those preclinical development studies of Naphthafluor required by the US Food and Drug Administration so testing in humans can commence (in collaboration with our strategic partner).