Drug Database
ME

metronidazole (Elyzol / Pernyzol / Elyzol Dental Gel)

✓ Approved

Pfizer, Inc. · Small Molecule · Small Molecule

What is metronidazole?

metronidazole is a small molecule developed by Pfizer, Inc.. It is approved for therapeutic indications via topical.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesElyzol, Pernyzol, Elyzol Dental Gel
CompanyPfizer, Inc.
Drug ClassSmall Molecule
RouteTopical
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Pfizer, Inc.

Therapeutic Indications

metronidazole is developed for 1 unique indication across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Infections and infestationsPeriodontitis✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedJournal of dental research2026-11-11

BMPR1A in Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Controls Periodontal Bone Homeostasis via Dual Roles.

Yang Y Y, Liu Y Y, Cai Y Y, Xue K K et al.

Periodontal homeostasis, the delicate balance between bone formation and resorption, is essential for tooth support. While Gli1 is an established marker for periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), the molecular pathways governing their homeostatic function remain largely unknown. We found that canonical bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling activity is positively correlated with periodontal tissue status. To establish a causal relationship, we specifically ablated the BMP receptor type 1A (Bmpr1a) in Gli1+ PDLSCs of male mice. This genetic manipulation resulted in a periodontal destruction phenotype, featuring alveolar bone loss, cementum defects, and disrupted collagen fiber organization. At the mechanistic level, Bmpr1a deletion not only compromised the osteogenic capacity of Gli1+ PDLSCs but also promoted osteoclastogenesis. The enhanced bone resorption was associated with a close spatial proximity between Gli1-lineage cells and osteoclasts. Conditioned medium from BMPR1A-deficient human PDLSCs significantly enhanced osteoclast differentiation, and proteomic analysis identified an elevated RANKL/OPG ratio as the underlying cause. Our results uncover a novel role for PDLSCs in bone remodeling, demonstrating that BMPR1A in Gli1+ PDLSCs orchestrates periodontal homeostasis by coupling the direct promotion of osteogenic differentiation with the indirect inhibition of osteoclastogenesis via paracrine RANKL/OPG regulation.

PMID 43012386
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PubMedInternational journal of dentistry2026-11-11

Transforming Diagnostic Precision in Periodontology Through Lab-on-a-Chip Technology: A Scoping Review.

Manoj Midhu M, Jaison Josh J, Varghese Jothi J

Conventional periodontal diagnostics measures the damage that has already occurred rather than disease that is currently active. This gap has driven interest in point-of-care tools that read the mouth in real time. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) and microfluidic platforms are leading candidates for such chairside periodontal and peri-implant testing, yet the supporting evidence has not been mapped in a structured way. A literature review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Electronic databases inclusive of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were searched for studies published from January 2015 to March 2026. Relevant studies investigating the predefined inclusion criteria related to LOC systems, microfluidic platforms, or biosensor technologies for periodontal or peri-implant tissues were considered. Two reviewers independently screened records and extracted data from each article on technology type, target biomarkers, sample analyte, reported diagnostic performance, and technology readiness levels (TRLs) by EURAXESS. Of 1764 records identified, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Saliva was the most common sample matrix, followed by gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) or subgingival bacterial templates. The platforms ranged from paper-based microfluidics and electrochemical or optical biosensors to continuous-flow PCR chips and most targeted red-complex periodontal pathogens or host inflammatory markers such as MMP-8 and IL-1β. Clinical diagnostic accuracy was rarely reported, validation was usually conducted under controlled laboratory conditions rather than in clinical settings, and most devices remained at the prototype stage. LOC technologies show clear analytical promise for periodontal diagnostics, but laboratory prototypes still dominate the evidence base. Multicentric clinical validation, standardized fabrication protocols, and clearer regulatory pathways are the main steps required before routine clinical use.

PMID 43011417
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PubMedAnalytical chemistry2026-11-11

A Synergistic Experimental and Computational Approach to the Design of MIPs Targeting Metronidazole.

Lo Presti Alessandro A, Bellomo Mariastefania M, Panzera Fortunata F, Abate Chiara C et al.

Metronidazole (MTZ) is a widely used nitroimidazole antibiotic, and its persistence has raised growing concerns as an emerging environmental contaminant. This study focuses on the design of an electrochemical sensor based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for its detection, by a synergistic computational-experimental strategy. A hierarchical computational framework combining conformational sampling, density functional theory and finite-temperature condensed-phase ab initio molecular dynamics was employed to evaluate aniline (ANL) and dopamine (DA) as candidate monomers. Static calculations provided a preliminary screening based on monomer-template complex stability, while molecular dynamics simulations assessed the dynamic balance between potential template affinity and reversibility. Although DA exhibited more persistent hydrogen-bonding and aromatic interactions, ANL showed a more favourable interaction profile, promoting efficient MTZ removal and accessible recognition cavities. These findings support the selection of ANL as the optimal functional monomer. The ANL-based MIP was therefore electropolymerized on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) via cyclic voltammetry (CV) and characterized via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using K3Fe(CN)6, yielding an imprinting factor (IF) of 2.6, a linear response in the range of 27-129 nmol L-1, a sensitivity of 26.01 A L mol-1, and limits of detection and quantification of 6.7 and 22.3 nmol L-1, respectively. The sensor also showed good repeatability, reproducibility, and negligible interference from other antibiotics. Its superior analytical performance relative to the corresponding DA-based MIP experimentally confirms the computational prediction. These findings demonstrate that combining atomistic pre-screening with targeted experimental validation can reduce empirical trial-and-error and accelerate the rational development of selective MIP-based sensors.

PMID 43010495
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PubMedInternational journal of nanomedicine2026-11-11

Nano Particles, Big Impact: The Future of Regenerative Dentistry - A Narrative Review.

Yin Iris Xiaoxue IX, Xu Veena Wenqing VW, Niu John Yun JY, Gan Xueqi X et al.

Nanotechnology is emerging as a powerful tool in regenerative dentistry by supporting biological repair of enamel, dentin, pulp, periodontal tissues and alveolar bone. This narrative review outlines how nanotechnology provides a versatile platform for achieving regenerative dentistry by enabling targeted remineralization, controlled therapeutic delivery, and biomimetic tissue regeneration. This review synthesizes current evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies, material science research, and recent reviews. Relevant literature was identified through electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science up to February 2026, focusing on publications that investigate the mechanisms, efficacy, and applications of nanoparticles in regenerative dental therapies. Search terms included (nanoparticle OR nano OR nanomaterial) AND (regeneration OR regenerative OR remineralization OR mineralization) AND (enamel OR dentin OR pulp OR gingiva OR periodontal ligament OR cementum OR alveolar bone OR dental OR tooth OR oral). A total of 71 representative publications were selected. These studies focused on the use of nanoparticles for hard tissue remineralization, scaffold-enhanced regeneration, targeted drug delivery, and antimicrobial action in dental contexts. The findings indicate that nanoparticles promote hard tissue remineralization through calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite systems that diffuse into subsurface lesions and nucleate new mineral formation. For alveolar bone regeneration, hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass nanoparticles provide osteoconductive scaffolds and osteoinductive ion signaling. In periodontal and pulp regeneration, nanoparticle-enhanced scaffolds support stem cell proliferation and differentiation through controlled growth factor delivery. Antimicrobial nanoparticles, particularly silver and zinc oxide, provide multi-target biofilm disruption with reduced resistance risk. The evidence base is predominantly preclinical, and routine clinical application is not yet supported by available data. Nanoparticles support dental tissue regeneration through mechanisms such as controlled ion release, sustained growth factor delivery, and antimicrobial activity. Key challenges include ensuring long-term biocompatibility, controlling degradation and potential toxicity, and establishing clear regulatory pathways.

PMID 43011807
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PubMedMedicine2026-11-11

Effect of localized chronic apical periodontitis on alveolar bone healing and success of autologous tooth transplantation: A prospective cohort study.

Yang Tianqing T, Liu Aipeng A, Li Yanfang Y, Li Qiulong Q et al.

This study evaluates the effect of localized chronic apical periodontitis on alveolar bone healing and transplantation success in autologous tooth transplantation. A total of 64 patients who underwent autologous tooth transplantation between December 2019 and December 2022 were included in this prospective cohort study. Of these, 32 patients with localized chronic apical periodontitis comprised the observation group, and 32 patients without periapical inflammation comprised the control group. The observation group underwent thorough debridement of infected tissue prior to transplantation, whereas the control group underwent transplantation immediately after tooth extraction. The outcomes, including alveolar bone extraction healing rate, tooth mobility, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, periodontal status, patient satisfaction, and overall treatment success rate, were compared between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the alveolar bone healing rate, tooth looseness, VAS pain scores, periodontal status, patient satisfaction, or transplantation success rate between the 2 groups (P > .05). These findings suggest that, after careful debridement and appropriate case selection, localized chronic apical periodontitis may not adversely affect short-term clinical or patient-reported outcomes of autologous tooth transplantation.

PMID 43012811
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PubMedDental traumatology : official publication of International Association for Dental Traumatology2026-11-11

Propolis-Supplemented Hydrogel as a Transport Medium for Avulsed Teeth: Periodontal Ligament Cell Compatibility, Antimicrobial Activity and Physical Tooth Position Stability.

Lodienė Greta G, Kostenkova Ana A, Giedraitienė Agnė A, Merkevičienė Lina L et al.

Avulsion of a permanent tooth is a critical dental emergency requiring rapid intervention to optimize replantation outcomes and minimize complications. Conventional storage media maintain periodontal ligament cell viability but often lack sufficient antimicrobial protection and mechanical stabilization during transport. Hydrogels, specifically those combining gellan gum and natural additives like propolis, offer promising improvements by providing enhanced antimicrobial activity and mechanical cushioning. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate a hydrogel-based transport medium supplemented with propolis and optimized gellan gum concentration for its ability to preserve cell viability, inhibit microbial growth, and confer mechanical stability to avulsed teeth during simulated transport. Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLFs) were exposed for 3 or 6 h to phosphate-buffered saline, milk, blank hydrogel, or hydrogel containing 1% water-based propolis extract. Cell viability, morphology, and growth-factor secretion (FGF-2, VEGF-A) were assessed using a scratch-injury model. Hydrogels with 0%, 1%, 2%, and 5% propolis were tested for sterility and antimicrobial activity against 11 microbial strains under varying temperatures. Extracted single-rooted teeth immersed in hydrogels with gellan gum concentrations from 0.2% to 2.5% were subjected to vibration simulation to assess mechanical stability. Hydrogels with or without propolis supplementation were cytocompatible and preserved fibroblast morphology for 6 hours. Both blank and propolis hydrogels enhanced fibroblast growth factor secretion after injury, whereas propolis supplementation uniquely increased VEGF-A release. Hydrogels autoclaved before use remained sterile throughout the study. The 2% and 5% propolis formulations exhibited selective, temperature-dependent antimicrobial activity-particularly against Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus mutans, and Bacillus subtilis. Hydrogels containing ≥ 1.2% gellan gum prevented tooth displacement during simulated vibration, indicating effective mechanical stabilization. A gellan gum-based hydrogel demonstrated potential as a multifunctional transport medium for avulsed teeth by preserving HPLF viability, supporting growth-factor secretion following mechanical injury, providing selective antimicrobial activity, and mechanically stabilizing the tooth during simulated transport. While 2% propolis showed greater antimicrobial activity and was previously demonstrated to be cytocompatible, further evaluation of the 2% formulation using the biological assessment methods applied in the present study is required before an optimal formulation can be established.

PMID 43009454
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