New Chlorhexidine Formula Shows Promise for Significantly Improved Substantivity

Researchers in the United Kingdom are working with a new formulation of chlorhexidine (CHX) that may represent a significant advance in the prevention and treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. Led by Michele Barbour, PhD, senior lecturer in biomaterials at the University of Bristol’s School of Oral and Dental Sciences, the team’s novel formulation, called Pertinax, is designed to dramatically increase CHX substantivity, enhancing its ability to fight infection.

The formula’s low solubility shows potential for continuous slow release. “Pertinax can greatly extend the active life of CHX,” Barbour explains. “This opens up a range of potential new applications, as well as the opportunity to make existing products more effective. Research shows there is a clear need for antimicrobial agents used in restorations and cements that will prevent and treat persistent bacterial infections over a much longer time frame than is currently possible.”

The team’s work has been recognized with the Armourers and Brasiers Company’s Venture Prize, a cash award that’s intended to help scientists commercialize promising early stage research. “We will be using the funding to help develop a robust and scalable manufacturing process,” notes Barbour. The product is also being tested for other purposes, including wound care products and catheters.