The study will test whether taking the probiotic VSL#3 can lessen the disease activity and improve the quality of life in patients with Oral Lichen Planus.
Dr Smith said ”Oral Lichen Planus is a T-cell mediated chronic inflammatory disorder that often gives rise to painful areas of ulceration of the mouth and can thus greatly lessen the normal functions of the mouth and reduce overall quality of life.
Present treatment is usually based upon topical corticosteroids or other immunosuppressives, but these are not always effective and can cause adverse side effects in some patients”
“This new study takes a completely different approach to the management of oral lichen planus and from this work we will not only be able to determine if patients have benefit but also gain insight into mechanisms that may trigger or potentiate this chronic disorder”
“We hope that the probiotic VSL#3 which has previously been shown to improve other mucosal inflammatory disease symptoms will provide patients with Oral Lichen Planus a new and less toxic alternative therapy.”
The study will run for two years and is funded by Ferring Pharmaceutical Limited.
