New Artificial Salivary Gland Technology Wins U.S. Patent

Xerostomia, or chronic dry mouth, affects about 64 million Americans each year and is a side effect of many common prescription drugs and autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s Syndrome. While currently available saliva substitutes and topical therapies like toothpastes and mouthwashes have not proved to be effective, a team of UConn Health researchers believes their technology could provide patient relief once fully developed.

Dr. J. Robert Kelly, DDS, PhD, a professor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, has patented his artificial salivary gland design through his startup, Oral Fluid Dynamics. Once fully developed, the company’s technology will be implanted in the jaw to provide a consistent stream of saliva replacement fluid. 

The device, which is currently being optimized in preparation for a large animal trial, is triggered through...