Arestin is indicated for the adjunctive treatment of adult periodontitis following scaling and root planing. This innovative treatment for periodontal disease is expected to offer dental professionals a new way to help patients restore oral health. Arestin represents the first commercial product from our diverse pipeline and will be introduced to dental professionals by our own sales force in the United States. This advanced technology will provide an important new weapon for the treatment of periodontal disease. We expect to launch Arestin in early April.
Periodontal disease is a vastly under treated health problem that carries serious health risks.
It affects more than 50 million people in the United States, less than one-fifth of whom receive treatment. Studies suggest a possible systemic link between periodontal disease and overall health including conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and pre-term, low infant birth weight. Arestin uses patented microsphere technology to deliver the antibiotic minocycline beneath the gum, directly into the infected periodontal pocket after deep cleaning of the teeth and gums with a procedure known as scaling and root planing, a common method of treatment. Arestin offers dentists unparalleled ease of use. Arestin does not require mixing or refrigeration and is easy to set up and administer, allowing dentists to optimize patient chair time.