SIU SDM Professor Launches Pain Relief Product

Customers who reach over the counter for a new transformational treatment for cold sores, minor cuts, minor burns, and insect bites will have Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) faculty member and alumnus to thank.

Alan Wickenhauser, DMD, assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Dentistry and SIU SDM class of '98, is a member of the team responsible for a new product in the cold sore industry, Helocaine®. Wickenhauser says his colleagues at SIU-SDM and the School of Pharmacy (SOP) "have been pivotal in the contribution to this success story."

"I am proud of our accomplishment and the skillset of the research that our university conducted through the years to allow this opportunity to happen," said Wickenhauser.

According to the development company known as Pagari Life Science Corporation on the product website, "Our patented formula forms an invisible protective barrier which also aids in treatment and promotes a quick treatment response."

As far as the name, "Helocaine® is catchy and represents the patented formulation used for pain relief and cold sore treatment," explained Wickenhauser.

"It is rare to have accomplished awarded US patents through the USPTO and have the ability to grow a superb team to support the entire project in every measure," said Wickenhauser. "I am super proud of Pagari Life Science Corporation, where I serve as the Chairman of the Board."

Wickenhauser thanks past SIU SDM Deans Ann Boyle, DMD, MA and Bruce Rotter, DMD, MS. He extends additional gratitude to Tim McPherson, PhD and Marcelo Nieto, PhD of the School of Pharmacy and past SIU SDM faculty member, Kevin Rowland, PhD.

"Helocaine® is built on years of research and collaboration amongst several excellent scientists and medical professionals. These efforts have shaped the development and launch of a transformative product. Helocaine® is made in the USA and currently is only available in the USA. We plan to expand into other countries over the next several years," said Wickenhauser.

"Consumers love the experience of Helocaine®. The immediate pain relief and fast treatment of cold sores have been amazing for hundreds of patients. The added fact that you can also use Helocaine® for minor cuts, minor burns, and insect bites with the same great pain relief and rapid treatment is a clear bonus. People who try it keep coming back for more."

Wickenhauser has been on the SIU SDM faculty for two years. He practiced dentistry in Bethalto, IL, for 24 years before retiring from private practice in 2022.

The SIU School of Dental Medicine students, residents, faculty, and staff manage approximately 30,000 patient visits each year at its patient clinics in Alton, East St. Louis, and Edwardsville. These patient care experiences provide students and residents the training they need to graduate and become highly skilled dentists and specialists. The School of Dental Medicine is a vital oral health care provider for dental patients in southern and central Illinois, as well as the St. Louis metropolitan region. It provides a Dental Home for approximately 10,000 active patients in any given year.

PHOTOS: Helocaine product promotion; Alan Wickenhauser, DMD

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