SkinBioTherapeutics PLC (LON:SBTX) said it started a collaboration with the University of Manchester to explore the use of bacteria, including its own breakthrough lysate, SkinBiotix, in oral care.
To date, the company’s efforts have been directed towards skin creams.
The tie-up will see the university’s School of Health Sciences kick off a 12-month programme to develop and test formulations for disease prevention, oral care and hygiene.
Chief executive Stuart Ashman said: "This new oral health programme builds and expands on our work in skin health and applies our already substantial skin microbiome expertise to the global oral care marketplace.
“This new strand to our development portfolio also presents near-term opportunities.
"We believe there is significant potential in oral care for innovative natural products with anti-microbial characteristics that can build long-lasting protection against disease. This is an exciting new step for us."