Bisphosphonate Use, Oral Flora, Saliva, Gingival Crevicular Fluid And Bone Markers In Patients With Jaw Osteonecrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$121,751.00
Summary
Bisphosphonates are used in patients with bones that break easily due to conditions such as osteoporosis. Recent research suggests a possible association between these drugs and jaw bone breakdown called jaw osteonecrosis - a devastating condition with no current effective treatment. It is unclear why this condition affects only jaw bones. This study seeks to investigate if bacteria in the mouth, gum disease and saliva are involved in jaw osteonecrosis, which can then help to improve management.
Antibodies are the main line of defence the immune system utilises to target viruses and bacteria that invade our body. Raising the level of antibodies can therefore offer effective protection against disease. However, as antibodies cannot be taken orally (as a tablet) they have to be injected into the blood stream. We aim to overcome this limitation by generating antibodies that survive the passage through the stomach, allowing us to target conditions such as Crohn's disease.