Oragenics Inc. (OGEN) is an American biopharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of oral probiotics products and novel antibiotics. The company was originally established in 1996 and is currently headquartered in Tampa, Florida. The goal of Oragenics is to become a key player in novel antibiotics against infectious disease and treatments for oral care.
Oragenics operates mainly through two business areas – a Probiotics segment and an Antibiotics segment. The Probiotics segment focuses on the development of technologies to beneficially modify the oral flora, which comprises of the microorganisms colonizing the mouth and throat, typically linked to oral health. They developed Evora, a patented probiotic sold on the market, to support teeth and gum health.
On the other hand, the Antibiotics segment targets a significant threat in the global health scenarios – the rise of resistant bacterial strains. Oragenics is dedicated to discovering and developing antibiotics to treat infections triggered by these resistant strains. They have a partnership with Precigen Inc. and Intrexon Corporation for rights to novel lantibiotics, a class of peptide antibiotics. Currently, Oragenics’ most significant development in this area is a new potential antibiotic, OG716, designed to treat drug-resistant Clostridium difficile infection.
The company thrives on using cutting-edge science combined with knowledge in oral health and microbiome to commercialize revolutionary probiotics and antibiotics. One such mechanism is through Synthetic Biology – a burgeoning field combining biology and engineering to design and construct new biological parts that can have various benefits, such as combating resistant bacteria.
Besides these tech-based solutions, Oragenics has partnered with various organizations and entities to push their efforts forward. In addition to the collaboration with Precigen Inc. and Intrexon Corporation, they have worked with M.I.T's Synthetic Biology Center to provide cutting-edge solutions in their development of lantibiotics.
The company’s shares are traded on the NYSE American exchange under the ticker symbol OGEN. Oragenics Inc. is committed to the principle of developing novel, safe, and effective healthcare products. Innovations such as theirs can play a pivotal role in combating oral diseases and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, issues of increasing concern worldwide.