Bioengineered Gum Shows Promise Against Oral Cancer
A University of Pennsylvania research team has developed a bioengineered chewing gum containing a bean protein that reduced HPV levels in saliva by up to 93% in lab tests. The gum awaits FDA approval for human trials and could eventually be
Researchers have developed a bioengineered chewing gum that can eliminate three microorganisms linked to oral cancer, including HPV (Human Papillomavirus), the most common sexually transmitted infection. Laboratory tests showed the gum reduced HPV levels in saliva samples by up to 93%.
The research team is led by Henry Daniell, a professor at the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The team aims to find antiviral proteins capable of targeting and destroying multiple virus types. Researchers discovered that hyacinth beans contain a protein called FRIL, which causes viruses to cluster together, preventing them from entering cells. The protein also inhibits viruses already inside cells and prevents further infection.
"We've identified at least five viruses in the mouth that we can inactivate," Daniell told The Post. He noted that the gum formula contains sufficient bean powder to effectively eliminate these viruses and has very low development costs. "That's probably the biggest advantage, because this product will have low production costs," he said.
The research team is currently awaiting FDA approval to proceed with the next phase of clinical trials, during which human participants will chew the gum directly. The trial will last four weeks, with participants chewing the gum three times daily. During this phase, the gum will be used as a complementary treatment alongside standard cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and surgery.
Daniell noted that in the future, this type of gum may be sold over-the-counter to the public without requiring a doctor's prescription.
