Mucosa BV

Brief description
Mucosa is the first company in the world to produce autologous full thickness gingiva tissue for oral transplantation. The gingival donor tissue grows together with existing oral tissue and prevents auto immune reactions. The product is called Gingraft and is being developed further into methods replacing animal testing.

Problem in the market
1) Reconstructive surgery within the oral cavity is often required, for example around the teeth.
Currently the patient’s own tissue is used as auto graft material. Disadvantage is that donor tissue is only limited available. As well as the fact that a second wound is created with the donor.

2) Under influence of societal pressure, related to large-scale animal suffering, the European Commission has decided to enforce a complete ban on the use and trade of ingredients and products, which have been tested on animals. Starting in 2009, the majority of tests conducted on animals to ensure safety of cosmetic products will be outlawed. This will force companies to use alternative methods.

How does Mucosa BV address the problem? 
Mucosa BV produces autologous full thickness oral tissue in a specially developed medium. This novel product supports the repair of damaged tissue by providing the patient’s own soft tissue.
The invention has been proven to be very successful. It  is therefore developed further into a unique alternative test method for orally used products which are in development, such as oral cosmetics, food additives and orally transferred medicines. Mucosa offers a solution to the problems of the cosmetic industry, which currently feels the time-pressure of the European ban on animal-tested products.