The Gillette Company, Boston, MA

Under a Joint Development Agreement, Gillette screened a small portion of Aphios’ library of marine molecules for commercially viable anti-plaque, anti-adhesion and anti-microbial compounds for potential incorporation into oral care products. From several anti-microbial ”hits,” Gillette selected a lead marine microorganism which Aphios has successfully scaled-up, re-tested and identified utilizing fatty acid (FAME) analyses.

Founded in 1901, Gillette is the world leader in male grooming, a category that includes blades, razors and shaving preparations. Gillette also holds the number one position worldwide in selected female grooming products, such as wet shaving products and hair epilation devices. The Company is the world’s top seller of writing instruments and correction products, toothbrushes and oral care appliances. In addition, the Company is the world leader in alkaline batteries. Gillette sales in 1998 amounted to $10.1 billion. Manufacturing operations are conducted at 57 facilities in 23 countries, and products are distributed in over 200 countries and territories around the world. The Company employs more than 40,000 people, nearly three-quarters of them outside the Unit.

For more information on the Gillette Company, visit www.gillette.com.