A billion carpules later and 3M ESPE Ubistesin is finally here!

3M ESPE is launching its Ubistesin range of articaine hydrochloride local anaesthetics for dentistry in Australia after gaining regulatory approval last year. Available in New Zealand and internationally in 57 countries for over a decade, Ubistesin Articaine HCl 4% will be available in two formulations for routine and complicated procedures requiring prolonged anaesthesia exclusively through Gunz Dental from April.

"We're excited to be able to offer Australian clinicians the Ubistesin range of local anaesthetics that have proven to be so popular globally," said 3M ESPE Senior Product Manager Gabrielle O'Carroll. "Ubistesin is the number two brand worldwide and we've produced over a billion carpules in the last 10 years and 120 million last year alone."

"We are delighted to be partnering with 3M ESPE to launch Ubistesin, a product that has more than 30 years of clinical evidence to support it," said Gunz Dental's Managing Director, Trevor Martin. "In our opinion, Ubestesin will help dental professionals to improve their consistency and quality of patient care."

The Ubistesin range is manufactured at the former ESPE facility in Seefeld, Germany outside Munich with the production of local anaesthetic being a staple of the company before its acquisition by 3M in 2001 that resulted in the formation of 3M ESPE.

With over 50 years of manufacturing experience in dental local anaesthetics, the company has a proven process to ensure that the high quality local anaesthetic is checked and safeguarded.

Even the packaging has been continuously refined and includes the following well-thought-of features:

• Cylindrical glass ampoules with inner silicone coating - for a smooth, gentle and controlled injection;
• Safety foil - prevents splintering;
• Packaging in a stable metal tin with a padded interior - for safe transport, easy removal and tidy storage; and
• Colour-coded aluminium caps - No chance of mix-ups!

The rapid metabolism and high plasma protein binding of Articaine allows for a 4% articaine formulation that results in profound anaesthesia.

Due to this higher efficacy, it is possible to decrease the volume and lower the epinephrine concentration to 1:200.000 for routine dental procedures.

The high plasma binding rates of Articaine lead to low systemic toxicity and shortest elimination half-time. As a result, Ubistesin is a least risk anaesthetic for the majority of patients.

"A number of clinical studies in recent years have demonstrated Articaine's superiority for infiltration anaesthesia, particulary in the mandible", said Stephen Langdon, Scientific Affairs Manager for 3M ESPE. "Articaine is not only less cardio-depressant but also less vasodilative than lidocaine and therefore can and should be combined with lower epinephrine concentrations in routine dental procedures".

Beginning April 1, 2012, 3M ESPE will market two formulations of Articaine in the Australian market; Ubistesin Articaine HCl 4% with Adrenaline 1:200 000 and Ubistesin Forte Articaine HCl 4% with Adrenaline 1:100 000.

"When you combine the profound benefits of rapid metabolism, high plasma protein binding, high lipid solubility and enhanced tissue penetration, clinical needs and patient benefits are well met with the use of Articaine" said Mr Langdon.

Dental practitioners are reminded to review the Product Information sheet before administering these products. The Product information Sheet is available from 3M ESPE, Gunz Dental and by visiting www.ebs.tga.gov.au.