First narrow-spectrum antibiotic successfully eradicates Fusobacterium nucleatum, a gum disease pathogen

In one study published at Journal of Oral MicrobiologyADA Forsyth scientists discovered that FP 100 (Hygromycin A), a small molecule, narrow-spectrum antibiotic, successfully eradicates Fusobacterium nucleatum without harming the oral or gut microbiomes.

Fusobacterium is a key pathogen that triggers the onset of periodontitis (gum disease) and its development has been linked to many serious systemic diseases. The researchers’ recent discovery could help fight severe gingivitis and related systemic diseases.

FP 100 as an effective treatment for periodontitis

“This type of black-and-white data almost never happens,” said Alpdogan Kantarci, DDS, Ph.D., a senior scientist at ADA Forsyth who led the study. “The results were so clear. With FP 100, we can eliminate Fusobacterium nucleatum from the oral cavity, reverse tissue damage and prevent disease progression without harming the beneficial microbiome.”

The lead authors, Dr. Nil Yakar Yilmaz and Dr. Ozge Unlu in the team of Dr. Kantarci, demonstrated that the drug was effective both in vitro and in a mouse model of periodontal disease. Drs. Lujia Cen, Hatice Hasturk, Tsute Chen, Wenyuan Shi and Xuesong also contributed to this exciting research.

“The findings provide strong evidence that FP 100 could be a game-changer in the treatment of severe gingivitis,” said Matt Tindall, Co-Founder and CEO of Flightpath Biosciences, Inc. “This antibiotic could work to prevent or treat advanced gingivitis.”

Gingivitis affects over 47% of people aged 30 and over, with the prevalence rising to 60% in people aged 65 and over. The last stages of the disease are characterized by progressive destruction of the jaw tissue and may lead to tooth loss. Current treatments focus on slowing the progression of the disease, but most of them are not covered by dental insurance. There is no treatment available.

One of the most exciting findings in this study is that the antibiotic is effective in targeting only Fusobacteria without harming the beneficial bacteria that are essential to maintaining human health. Periodontal disease has long been a challenge for effective treatment because antibiotics usually wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria.

“Often, the antibiotics that treat this disease will also kill any bacteria that help prevent overpopulation of pathogens,” said Dr. Kantarci. “With the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, the ability to kill a dangerous pathogen with a narrow-spectrum antimicrobial drug candidate represents a major paradigm shift in antibiotic development. Eradicating this key pathogen is a very important strategy for disease control.”

Implications for systemic health

The potential effect of this antibiotic extends far beyond the mouth, possibly preventing the development of serious chronic diseases, including heart disease, colon and pancreatic cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, premature birth, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

“Fusobacterium is an insidious pathogen,” said Dr. Kantarci. “Studies show it can travel from the oral cavity to other places, where it colonizes and causes disease. We recently published a study showing that Fusobacterium can enter human cells like a Trojan horse and travel unnoticed to other parts of the body where they colonize and eliminate bacteria in the oral cavity is also systematic prevention.

This promising antibiotic candidate, FP 100 (hygromycin A), was rediscovered by a team of researchers led by Kim Lewis, Ph.D., at Northeastern University, who focused on its ability to target the bacterium Borelliella burgdorferi, the which causes Lyme disease.

ADA Forsyth and Flightpath Biosciences have filed a joint patent application for FP 100. They plan to further explore the antibiotic’s potential in clinical trials and expand its application to other conditions caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum.

“We are entering a new frontier in both local and systemic disease prevention,” said Dr. Kantarci. “The ability to selectively target harmful bacteria while preserving the beneficial microbiome opens the door to innovative therapies that could significantly improve patient outcomes.”