Isolagen, UT Dental Branch at Houston announce study

Isolagen, Inc. has announced that faculty at The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston are currently recruiting patients for a clinical study that will utilize the patient's own autologous cells and implant them in oral areas where there are cosmetic or esthetic problems. The objective is to validate a technique that will facilitate the growth of bone and gum tissue in areas destroyed by periodontal disease.

Funded by a grant from Isolagen, Inc., Drs. Rena D'Souza and Otis Bouwsma will extract tiny tissue samples from behind the last teeth in the mouths of volunteers. These biopsies will then be sent to the laboratory where the cell expansion will take place over a 6 week period. Once the cells are optimized, the dentists will inject them into areas of gum loss such as: areas between the teeth (identified by a black triangular space between the teeth), "filling in" where the gums have receded. The material may also be used to fill in areas around tooth implants and bridges. The whole process will only have to be done once as opposed to the other corrective procedures available today which are much more painful and require multiple procedures.

"This is the only example we know of where an oral health practitioner will apply a person's own cells to their mouths," said Bouwsma. "We have high hopes for this approach, because theoretically it negates the possibility of rejection. I believe this is the future of periodontal science."

"We are very excited about this research, because it is the first time tissue bioengineering will be used in a clinical treatment protocol at the Dental Branch," said D'Souza. "The regeneration of the supporting tissues of a tooth that are damaged in the course of periodontal disease remains a major challenge for dental clinicians today," she added. "This cell therapy, when combined with proven techniques of guided tissue regeneration, is state-of-the-art technology that offers a new and exciting way to treat soft tissue defects in the oral cavity."

Isolagen is a Houston-based company specializing in using autologous (from the patient) material to correct skin defects, such as acne and wrinkles. This is its first foray into oral health care.

"Right now, we are just doing this for cosmetic purposes," said Bouwsma. "We may be able to address the bone destruction caused by periodontal disease in the future using this approach, maybe even growing whole jawbones. The possibilities are really exciting."

Study participants are being recruited now. The ideal candidate is 18-70 years old, a nonsmoker in reasonably good health. There are no costs involved. For information, call 713-500-4048.