Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) Pharma major Ranbaxy Laboratories Tuesday launched the first-of-its-kind natural and probiotic drug for dental diseases in India and Nepal. In a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Tuesday, the company said the exclusive in-licensing agreement for marketing the drug, Inersan, has been signed with CD Pharma, a subsidiary of the US-based VSL Pharmaceuticals.

The drug is used for the treatment of dental problems like periodontitis, gingivitis and halitosis.

Ranbaxy claimed that at present there was no drug available for the treatment of such dental problems and Inersan will be the first-of-its-kind to be introduced in India and Nepal.

According to the release, early-stage periodontitis (gum disease) is painful causing swelling and bleeding in gums. The disease usually leads to serious infection and loss of tooth. Dentists normally recommend surgical options such as flap surgery, soft tissue grafting or bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration.

Moreover, quoting medical studies, Ranbaxy said women with advanced gum diseases become prone to pre-mature delivery of baby and oral microbes affect the fetus. Even cardiac patients have been asked to be careful of periodontitis as bacteria from mouth can cause clotting problems in the cardiovascular system.

Sanjeev I. Dani, senior vice-president and regional director Asia and CIS, Ranbaxy, said: “Periodontitis, gingivitis and halitosis are common dental problems which if ignored, can lead to more serious complications.

“Dental practitioners in India currently do not have any specialised prescription product for these conditions and Inersan tablets address this need for the segment,” he added.