Devintec OR-AT0222 Oral Gel for the Treatment of Canker Sores: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Clinical Investigation

Overview

Canker sore, also known as aphthous stomatitis or ulcers and aphthae, is a common ailment, idiopathic in nature, with recurrent painful aphthous ulcers on the non-keratinized oral mucous membranes. Recurrent aphthous ulcer has higher prevalence in young adults and the frequency decreases with increasing age. The etiology of aphthous ulcer remains unclear. Other possible factors include trauma, drug use, deficiency in vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, stress, hormonal changes and metabolic diseases. Topical agents such as local antibiotics, local antiseptics, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids are generally prescribed for symptomatic relief. Several approved drug formulations such as pills, mouthwash, sprays and paste such as vitamin B12, chlorhexidine mouthwash, steroid lozenges and local anesthetics are primarily suggested for the treatment of aphthous ulcer. Despite the available local treatments, still sometimes oral canker sores may represent a painful burden for the patient and the gel OR-AT0222 may represent a topical product easy to use, well tolerated and effective local pain reliever, by facilitating the healing of the lesion(s). The Sponsor, Devintec Sagl, presents OR-AT0222, indicated for the management of canker sores, aphthous stomatitis and small lesions of the mouth. The gel forms a persistent protective film with a "barrier effect" that promotes wound healing and protects the lesions of the oral cavity from contact with external agents, providing pain relief and reducing the risk of further irritation.

Each subject will be asked to sign the Informed Consent Form (ICF). A total of 46 subjects will be enrolled, 23 for each group will be randomized with a 1:1 ratio and allocated to one treatment group (blinded assignment). Group 1: Treatment with OR-AT0222 and Group 2: Treatment with Placebo. The patients will be asked to apply 1-2 drops of the gel on their ulcers three times a day for 7 days and to record the aphthous pain level based on visual analogue scale (VAS) using a number scale from 0 to 10, with 0 no pain at all and 10 the most severe pain. The patients have to refrain from eating and drinking for at least 30 minutes after gel application. The study will also assess tolerability and safety (adverse events). At day 8, the patients will be examined again. Complete healing (the time when the pseudomembrane and the erythematous border disappear) will be confirmed by clinician examination at the end of the treatment period. Reduction of the number of ulcers respect to baseline and percent of lesions with complete healing will be also assessed