From ADS Chlorhexidine to Biomimetic Technologies: Curasept Outlines Its R&D Strategy and the New Frontiers of Oral Prevention
Curasept is today one of the most recognised players in the oral care market and leader in Pharmacies In Italy. Thanks to a quality and scientific model built on research, innovation and close collaboration with academic institutions and scientific societies, both at national and international level. The company allocates a significant share of its annual revenue to Research & Development, holds 11 patents and more than 100 published clinical findings, and has established itself as a trusted reference for oral health professionals with solutions of high therapeutic value — including the pioneering Anti-Discoloration System (ADS), which transformed clinical standards for chlorhexidine use.
At the centre of this evolution stands Curasept’s Research, Innovation and Quality division, where bioactive formulations, biomimetic technologies and integrated prevention systems are developed with a focus on both oral and general health. We spoke with Restituta Castellaccio, Head of Research, Innovation and Quality at Curasept, who outlines the company’s main research pathways, the results achieved and the areas shaping its future projects.
Restituta Castellaccio, Head of Research, Innovation and Quality at Curasept
Curasept has always invested heavily in Research & Development.
What is the main focus of your scientific work today, and which clinical needs are you addressing?
Our work focuses on designing and producing innovative solutions in the oral care field, contributing to our ongoing commitment to promoting oral health and high-quality scientific research.Over the years, more than 100 scientific papers on Curasept products have been published, and thanks to the research activities carried out over the past 20 years, we can count on a portfolio of 11 patents and extensive literature.
Today, new product development is guided both by the company’s strategic choices and by market needs. The release of a “new product” may involve modifying an existing formulation or creating a completely new one in terms of typology, labelling, or packaging. Since 2012, we have expanded the range of chlorhexidine-based products by introducing “associated chlorhexidines”, enhanced with additional active ingredients to meet the full spectrum of therapeutic needs and vulnerabilities of periodontal patients. In 2020, we added sodium DNA to counteract one of chlorhexidine’s known side effects—mucosal irritation arising from prolonged use.
Your best-known technology is ADS for chlorhexidine, now evolved into the ADS–DNA New formulation.
What innovation does it introduce, and what concrete benefits does it offer patients?
Since its foundation, Curasept has quickly become a solid benchmark in oral care thanks to the design, development and patenting of the first major innovation in the sector since the 1960s: chlorhexidine with Anti-Discoloration System (ADS). This system revolutionised the category, establishing a new gold standard. ADS allows the use of chlorhexidine-based preparations without the risk of tooth staining, which is one of the best-known side effects, often responsible for poor treatment adherence.
Thanks to this breakthrough Curasept became market leader in the chlorhexidine segment in Italian pharmacies as early as 2005. Since then, our research has continued in line with our mission to develop innovative solutions.
Beyond mouthwashes, you have developed bioactive and biomimetic technologies, such as the Biosmalto Mousse formulations.
How do these materials remineralise enamel and dentine, and what results have you observed?
The functional ingredients used in the Biosmalto line display chemical, physical, morphological and mechanical properties that closely resemble natural biological structures such as enamel and dentine. Under physiological conditions, they can stimulate processes similar to those occurring in natural tissue, including remineralisation.
The line provides a specific biomedical application without toxic effects on biological systems, interacting chemically with hard dental tissues and depositing a new mineral phase that integrates seamlessly with the existing one. The functional ingredients contained in both the toothpastes and mouthwashes promote a new mineral layer that is more resistant to acid attacks and mechanical stress. As a result, their application increases resistance to caries, inhibits plaque formation, stimulates enamel and dentine remineralisation and—thanks to the presence of potassium salts in the sensitive-teeth formulations—reduces dentinal hypersensitivity symptoms.
Curasept works closely with universities and scientific societies in Italy and abroad.
How important is this collaboration for product validation and for entering new markets?
Partnerships with universities, scientific societies and research centers are essential for us and they form a strategic part of our business model, which is entirely oriented toward quality and innovation. We invest around 8–10% of our revenue in Research & Development to support clinical studies, academic collaborations and scientific projects that ensure the solidity and efficacy of our products every year.
These collaborations allow us to test our formulations within rigorous frameworks, guided by prestigious academic institutions including the Universities of Milan, Rome, Naples, Turin, Pavia, Catania, Bologna, Bolzano and Genoa. This generates clinical evidence that strengthens the credibility of our products in the eyes of professionals and it is also crucial for achieving scientific recognition in congresses, publications and clinical protocols.
Partnerships with universities and scientific societies also enable us to play an active role in disseminating scientific culture on oral health. Among these organisations are SIdP (Italian Society of Periodontology), ANDI (National Association of Italian Dentists), the Italian Dental Hygienists Association, La Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Pisa. Internationally, collaboration is equally important: for example, our partnership with the European Federation of Periodontology provides authoritative recognition that strengthens our clinical positioning and facilitates entry into European markets.
Prevention is central to your strategy, especially for high-risk patients such as implant carriers, smokers or diabetics.
What differentiates your solutions from traditional ones?
Curasept has always been committed to supporting people in all their needs related to prevention, treatment and oral well-being throughout every stage of life. One of our distinctive features, since the very beginning, is combining clinical efficacy with excellent tolerability. The ADS system is a clear example: it reduces the most common side effects of chlorhexidine without compromising its antibacterial action.
Another key strength is our integrated product system, which we strongly believe in. Curasept does not aim to act through stand-alone products; instead, we employ a coherent system of intervention that includes synergistic mouthwashes, toothbrushes and specialised toothpastes engineered to work together to address specific clinical problems effectively.
Looking ahead, what are the most promising research areas you are currently investing in?
We are investing in research areas that we believe will be strategic for oral health in the coming years. Specifically, we are focusing on formulations designed not only to restore oral health by maintaining a balanced microbiota (eubiosis) but also to support the patient’s general well-being. We also strive to increase public awareness that caring for one’s oral health means caring for one’s overall health.
At present, we are concentrating on a new line dedicated to preventing dental erosion—a condition that affects several categories of people who may not traditionally be considered at risk, including athletes, pregnant women, individuals with eating disorders and those following predominantly fruit- and vegetable-based diets.
Our commitment is to continue innovating with scientific evidence, keeping prevention central to our priorities and developing technologies that can improve patients’ quality of life over the long term. We also have a new patent coming soon, although we will be able to share more details at a later stage.
