The PhytoQuin Photosensitizerhttps://www.photo-dynamic.com/ "PhotoDynamic founder Sherri McFarland is a world leader in the chemistry of light activated molecules and their applications in human health, specializing in the design of photo-activated antimicrobials and anticancer agents. In a moment of inspiration she decided to investigate whether invasive plant species might also be a repository of photoactive agents with therapeutic potential. In fact, she reasoned, photodynamic compounds synthesized within these plants and activated by sunlight may explain the capacity of these plants to prosper in environments that they were not adapted for, including exposure to a wide variety of unfamiliar plant pathogens. Sherri took the initiative to screen some of these species in her lab at Perennia Innovation Centre in Nova Scotia, and discovered a particular plant extract with photodynamic inactivation efficacy greater than many well known single synthetic compounds. Serendipitously, this plant also had a long history of safe use and an exemplary safety profile. Since that initial discovery, extensive in vitro and in vivo animal studies have confirmed that this plant extract is truly something special, with attributes including:
- Potent antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity with exposure to visible light
- Ability to break down biofilms
- Desirable safety profile and non-irritating in animal studies
- Formulated in a shelf stable product with a minimum two year expiry
Additionally, PhotoDynamic was able to file two patents (composition and method) to protect this discovery and recruit a world class board of directors. After raising only $330K in equity PhotoDynamic was able to develop a prototype oral light emitting device and photoactive dental foam and to sponsor a first in human clinical study at the prestigious Forsyth Institute in Cambridge, MA. The results of that study were better than expected, with statistically significant benefits realized in the oral health of subjects.
Our next ambitious step is to revolutionize oral health care starting with brace wearers by bringing them a convenient way to keep their braces clean and their gums healthy during orthodontic treatment."