ACTION MECHANISM

GelX® Oral Spray has a mechanical action that is suitable for managing and reducing pain due to the adherence of the product to the surface of the mucous membrane of the mouth, thus relieving the damage caused by chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy. The action of gelX® Oral Spray is based on the formation of an invisible protective barrier on the affected area, protecting the exposed nerve endings (the protective barrier is not perceived by the patient) (Fig. 3).

Figure 3 Mechanism of action of gelX® Oral Spray at nerve endings.

GelX® Oral Spray is painless, effective and quick to inhibit mucositis-related pain. GelX® Oral Spray has an excellent safety profile and no side effects associated with its use have been reported. To date, no undesirable effects have been reported from accidental ingestion of the product (Table 1).

Characteristics of the active substances according to the literature

POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE (PVP)

PVP is a component often used to synthesize polymeric membranes. It can be used alone or in combination with other polymers. Membranes consisting of PVP are intended for various uses. One of the main applications of PVP, whether used alone or in combination with other polymers, is the coating or encapsulation of tissues, organs or implants. This coating results due to the PVP property of creating a waterproof and solution-impervious membrane while protecting the tissues or surfaces of the implant from attacks by exogenous agents or other deleterious effects, for example by the effect of colony formation bacteria.

ZINC GLUCONATE

The importance of zinc for tissue growth and repair is well documented. Zinc is essential for the functions of at least 70 enzymes and is involved in various metabolic processes. Zinc deficiency slows the synthesis of proteins, thereby slowing cell proliferation and inhibiting tissue repair. It is an essential trace element with proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. The biological activity of zinc also includes the ability to inhibit bacteria and viruses. Zinc is a basic metal found in almost all cells of the human body. It helps to regulate the immune system by helping cells fight viruses, microbes and other harmful organisms.

TAURINE (NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic acid found in almost all mammalian tissues and performs several important roles in the physiology of the individual organs. Taurine has an antioxidant effect, significantly reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Its involvement in cell proliferation, collagen production and inflammation is also known. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that taurine is a potent and effective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) associated with the production of prostaglandins. Taurine regulates intracellular calcium and acts as a neurotransmitter / neurotransmitter. Decreased taurine concentration in tissues is characteristic of various diseases, including diabetes. It has been shown that the intake of taurine supplements contributes to the treatment of various diseases and its use is recommended for the treatment of cardiomyopathies, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes.

ZINC-TAURINE COMBINATION

The use of the zinc-taurine combination for therapeutic purposes, for example for the treatment of oral mucosal lesions, is based on the doubling of the therapeutic benefits of the combination of the two components.

• Zinc and taurine have, separately, beneficial properties that contribute to the therapeutic benefit (cumulative action)
• The combination of zinc and taurine has beneficial properties that do not exist when the two components are used separately (synergistic action).

The use of the zinc-taurine combination for the topical treatment of oral mucosal lesions has significant benefits. There are extensive references to the literature on the bioactivity properties of zinc and taurine separately, and some studies have been published on the combination of zinc and taurine. In addition, PolapreZinc (zinc-creatinine), which is similar to the above-mentioned zinc-taurine combination, has been licensed in Japan for the treatment of gastric ulceration and its therapeutic effect has been documented in numerous animal models with gastrointestinal mucosa. These observations suggest that the zinc-taurine combination could be just as effective for similar indications.