An interview with Reg Dupre

Reg Dupre is CEO of Epien Medical, Inc., home of Debacterol & Oralmedic. I was asking about availability in the UK (Epien have since launched Oralmedic) and wondered if he wouldn't mind answering a few questions...

In your opinion, what is it that actually makes mouth ulcers appear ?

The short answer is that nobody really knows what causes canker sores; however, there have been some credible clinical studies that have linked this medical problem to stress and allergies. We also know, and see quite commonly, that people who are immunocompromised, that is those people incapable of developing a normal immune response, usually as a result of disease, malnutrition, or immunosuppressive therapy also experience their share of these nuisance oral ulcers. There are also a number of medical experts that still believe there is a strong association of canker sores to deficiencies in vitamins. One article I read recently highlighted the possibility that canker sores, in some people, could actually be an early warning system of a more serious disease developing.

Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS), found in most commercial toothpastes, is cited as a common cause of mouth ulcers, do you have any opinions about this ?

It would be inappropriate for me to comment on SLS (or the connection with mouth ulcers vs. smoking) because our company has not been involved with any clinical study to support these claims and observations. I can say that in my travels promoting Debacterol to thousands of medical professionals at tradeshows, I have heard that some people using a non-SLS toothpaste are claiming a reduction or elimination of ulcers.

Apart from using Debacterol, what advice would you give to help someone to reduce the frequency and severity of their mouth ulcers ?

To my knowledge there really is not a solid answer as to how to help someone reduce or even eliminate mouth ulcers, which is why I doubt a cure for mouth ulcers will be found in this decade. Finding a cure has more to do with the magnitude of the problem because no two people have the same immune system, nervous system, blood system or nutritional balance. Combining this fact with people who have allergies, stress and disease, you and your readers should have a better understanding of the complex matrix researchers are trying to understand.

What prompted the creation of Debacterol ?

Debacterol has had a long history of use that actually dates back to the early 1900’s. Since our first formal promotion of Debacterol in late 2000, it has gained unbelievable attention. Debacterol works like no other treatment on mouth ulcers because it only attacks and seals dead tissue, leaving healthy tissue undamaged. It is the only recognized treatment that offers permanent pain relief. As a debridement sterilization tool, Debacterol completely eliminates this pain and cleanses the ulcer in just ONE treatment. Healing time is reduced from weeks to 3-5 days depending on the size of the ulcer.
It is these benefits that led Northern Research Laboratories to decide to begin commercializing Debacterol.
Today, Northern Research Laboratories, Inc. is selling Debacterol to medical professionals in the US through a national distributor. People suffering from oral ulcers or canker sores in the US can contact their dentist or doctor for a Debacterol treatment or for a prescription.

So what exactly is the treatment ?

Application is a simple process of drying the canker sore, applying consumer-safe chemical Debacterol directly on the ulcer and around its perimeter, and then five-seconds later, rinsing the chemical off. No more treatments are necessary. Teaching consumers to apply this chemical cauterization treatment sequence on them will be our toughest challenge.

For someone that regularly gets mouth ulcers on the top surface of their tongue (amongst the taste buds), are there any permanent effects caused by using a chemical cauterizing agent ?

When Debacterol is used as directed, it does not penetrate below damaged or necrotized tissue; consequently the product itself does not cause any additional damage to the surface of the tongue. Additionally, treating the tongue surface will always remain to be a difficult task due to its unique surface and its sensitivity to chemical agents. In most cases, if you can just restrain the tongue from moving for few a seconds during treatment, you may have a good chance to see some serious healing.

Can Debacterol be purchased over the counter ?

Some time back we thought we were cleared for OTC sales, but we changed our minds and, in conjunction with the FDA have agreed to sell the original Debacterol formulation to medical professionals only. However, an improved Debacterol formula is being fast-tracked through the FDA for OTC approval. At present, we believe 1Q:04 will be the earliest product intro. For now, Debacterol can only be purchased by dentists and doctors through the Henry Schein Company (www.henryschein.com). Pharmacists can purchase Debacterol directly from our company for prescription sales. By the way, Debacterol is an insurable treatment through a medical office.

Can Henry Schein supply healthcare professionals worldwide with Debacterol
(my own particular interest being in the UK) ?

We are beginning to ship Debacterol worldwide to medical practitioners and in some countries, to consumers. Countries with the least amount of regulatory hurdles will begin receiving Debacterol first in the coming months. More countries will be added as regulatory hurdles are completed. Last year we began working with the European Union for clearance and we believe that approval may be forthcoming over the next several months for medical professionals and consumers.

Many thanks for your time Reg, I hope the OTC approval goes smoothly for you, and I look forward to trying Debacterol for myself.   Dom Walton, Feb 2003.

Update: DEBACTEROL® is sold in the United States by prescription only and is not offered directly to consumers. Outside the United States there are a number of branded and generic versions available over the counter (and can be purchased from the Mouth Ulcers Shop).