Jumping the curve: biotech a bright spot in Colorado economy

ColoradoBiz, Jan, 2009 by Rebecca Cole

"Gum recession can be caused by periodontal disease but also by people brushing their teeth too hard," Tofe said. "People are literally brushing their gums away."

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Current gum recession treatment options takes two forms, both involving surgery. The first is to slice a piece of tissue from the palate (the roof of the mouth) and graft it to the affected gums--a painful surgery and prolonged recovery. The second is to graft dermal cadaverous tissue; a very technical and sensitive surgery that most periodontists don't like to do.

Snoasis instead uses amniotic tissue harvested from consenting mothers during birth via C-section as a source for regenerative tissue. The company has signed a licensing and distribution agreement with Surgical Biologics, the leading provider of amniotic tissue products used in ocular reconstruction, for procurement, processing and final packaging.

The company claims that the product, already tested on 100 people during clinical trials, is painless and easy enough to use that general dentists who place implants can now also treat recession.

"This has become a true lunchtime procedure just like Botox or any other aesthetic invasive procedure," Tofe said.

Tofe said the company currently has 10 periodontists implanting the product, including two in the Denver area, and that he is aggressively seeking new patients. "If you want to be treated, find me and I will do this free. It will help me out, it will help you out."

Visit www.snoasismedical.com or contact Tofe at (303) 242-8075 if you want to take him up on his offer.