Calcivis Completes Clinical Study of Novel Caries Activity Imaging System

EDINBURGH, November 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Calcivis, a medical devices company focused on revolutionising the management of tooth decay, today announces that it has completed a first clinical study of its Calcivis® Caries Activity Imaging System.

The Calcivis Caries Activity Imaging System is a sophisticated medical device and consumable combination designed to transform the assessment and management of dental caries (tooth decay). It involves a unique, proprietary bioluminescence approach combined with a specialised imaging device which allows accurate detection and visualisation of demineralisation by imaging free calcium ions at the tooth surface; a caries lesion which is actively demineralising is more likely to progress and lead to cavitation. The Calcivis® Caries Activity Imaging System has been granted a CE Mark.

The study was the first to evaluate the Calcivis Caries Activity Imaging System in a full clinical dental setting. It was conducted in 39 patients by four general dental practitioners based in three practices in Scotland. Full results and analysis will be completed early in 2015.

Charles Ormond, Principle Investigator, said: "It has been very interesting to be involved with a clinical study of this new technology in Scotland. The images have the potential to provide real insights into the ongoing demineralisation disease process."

Adam Christie, CEO of Calcivis, said: "The completion of our first clinical study is an important step for Calcivis. We have previously seen excellent results in ex vivo and the new study has allowed us to gain extremely valuable real world experience in the use of the device and consumable. We will be analysing the results over the coming months and using the insights we gain as we continue to prepare for commercialisation."

The Calcivis® Caries Activity Imaging System is an in-clinic device which combines a sensitive intraoral camera and application technology to deliver a precise amount of disclosing solution, containing a photoprotein, onto the tooth surface.

The photoprotein binds calcium ions and emits a blue light signal proportional to the amount of calcium present. This exquisitely sensitive chemiluminescent system produces a demineralisation map of the tooth. The resulting images provide a focus for discussion with patients about their caries management programme and the development of a tailored, rational, evidence-based treatment in line with dental best practice.

About Calcivis 

Calcivis is an innovative medical devices company focused on revolutionising the management of dental caries or 'tooth decay'. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Calcivis brings together novel biotechnology approaches and world-class device development expertise and is at the forefront of applying biotechnology to dentistry.

The Calcivis® Caries Activity Imaging System will, for the first time, allow the real-time detection and visualisation of calcium ions released by demineralising caries lesions in routine dental practice.

The Calcivis approach was developed with input from leading specialists in caries management; Professor Nigel Pitts and Dr Christopher Longbottom (Dental Innovation and Translation Centre, King's College London Dental Institute) both internationally renowned for cariology, health services and translational research.

Calcivis was established in 2011 and in August 2012 completed a fundraising led by Archangels Informal Investment and including the Scottish Co-Investment Fund.  http://www.calcivis.com

Contacts 

Adam Christie, CEO
Tel: +44(0)7795-600571
E-mail: info@calcivis.com

Chris Gardner, Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: +44(0)207-638-9571
E-mail: chris.gardner@citigatedr.co.uk