KC Biotech Likarda Enters Potential $3B Market Through Partnership

November 27, 2023

Kansas City, MO-based biotech company Likarda is partnering with Pennsylvania-based Oral Biolife to manufacture dental care for animal health.

The partnership would see the two companies focus on developing a treatment for periodontitis—gum disease found in animals and humans—specifically in canines as its estimated more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of 2 have periodontal disease, according to a release.

Likarda will work with Oral Biolife to create a hydrogel technology called PiezoGEL, a non-surgical treatment option that eliminates bacteria while re-growing the bone tissue lost due to periodontitis.

“Likarda is grateful for the opportunity to partner with innovative biotech companies like OBL and help them launch their first to market product, optimize their formulation and be their manufacturing partner,” CEO of Likarda, Stella Vnook said. “Likarda is committed to assuring that OBL’s device is available to the veterinarians and dental specialists that use the device to improve dental bone formation.”

Periodontitis occurs when food and bacteria collect along the gum line, plaque forms and hardens into tartar causing pain and inflammation called gingivitis.

Approximately more than 40 million dogs in the U.S. have periodontitis, leading to a potential market of over $3 billion this partnership can tap into.