An Australian Oral Care Technology that nearly disappeared.
A forgotten Australian innovation.
A global oral health challenge.
A story still being written.
THREE STORIES. ONE PURPOSE.
The story of Anticay® is not simply the story of a technology.
It is the story of a global oral health challenge.
It is the story of a largely forgotten Australian scientific innovation.
And it is the story of a continuing effort to bring that technology into a new generation of oral care.
Together, these three stories form the foundation of Anticay®, New Anticay® and Anticay® Products.
STORY ONE
THE CHALLENGE
Helping People Keep Their Teeth For Life
For thousands of years, tooth decay has been one of humanity's most common diseases.
During the twentieth century, dental caries was recognised as a major public health challenge, affecting children and adults around the world.
Tooth decay remains one of the most common health conditions experienced throughout life. Online sources indicate that nearly one in three people, globally, are affected.
Today, maintaining tooth mineral balance remains important — and challenging — throughout life.
Modern diets and lifestyles have also introduced new pressures. Frequent exposure to acidic foods and beverages, including soft drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks, has contributed to growing concern about enamel wear and dental erosion.
Dental erosion is increasingly recognised in oral health research. Studies report substantial levels of erosive tooth wear in both children and adults, although prevalence varies widely depending on the population studied and the diagnostic method used.
Despite enormous advances in dentistry, one principle remains central:
Healthy teeth depend on maintaining the balance between mineral loss and mineral replacement.
This principle is the foundation of the Anticay® story.
STORY TWO
THE FORGOTTEN TECHNOLOGY
The Technology That Nearly Disappeared
During the 1950s and 1960s, researchers at Melbourne University and CSR Limited began investigating calcium and phosphate chemistry as a means of supporting enamel health.
Their work led to the development of Anticay®, a calcium sucrose phosphates technology designed to support the natural mineral balance of teeth.
A central figure in the programme was CSR scientist John Curtin, who played a leading role in the development of both the material and the production processes required for its manufacture.
Following extensive laboratory, animal and human investigations, Anticay® was approved for use in food products and oral care applications.
Commercial food and oral care products followed, including biscuits, jams, chewing gum and toothpastes.
A dedicated production facility was established in Sydney.
International interest grew, but changing market conditions and the widespread adoption of fluoride shifted the focus of oral care.
Then, in 1973, CSR exited its chemical operations and refocused on other industries.
Commercial development stopped.
The science and research did not.
Research into calcium sucrose phosphate technologies continued internationally and remains active today.
The story of Anticay® did not end.
It simply entered a new chapter.
STORY THREE
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Continuing The Story
More than twenty years ago, a simple question was asked:
Could more be done to help people care for their natural teeth for longer?
That question was shaped by family experience and a desire to develop practical oral care products.
In 2005, redevelopment efforts began in Australia.
In 2006, John Curtin, one of the original developers of Anticay®, produced laboratory batches of the material in Sydney and assisted in transferring knowledge from the original programme to the next generation.
Over the years that followed, the technology underwent further development, manufacturing refinement and commercial evaluation.
In 2013, finished goods manufacturing expanded into India, where calcium sucrose phosphate-based oral care products were produced and modern research activity increased.
Today, that work continues in Australia through the development of New Anticay® and Anticay® Tooth Powder products.
Products powered by New Anticay® and Anticay® Tooth Powder products are now emerging, combining mineral-focused oral care with carefully selected botanical ingredients. Our first tooth powder product is available now, with additional products in development.
The goal remains simple:
To help people support healthy teeth, healthy mouths and confidence in their smiles for as long as possible.
The story of Anticay® began generations ago.
We are proud to be writing the next chapter
THE ANTICAY® TIMELINE
1950s
Research begins at Melbourne University and CSR Limited into calcium and phosphate chemistry and its potential role in oral health.
Early 1960s
Anticay® is developed as a calcium sucrose phosphates technology designed to support the natural mineral balance of teeth.
1960s
Laboratory, animal and human studies are conducted. Anticay® receives approval for use in foods and oral care products.
Late 1960s – Early 1970s
Commercial products are launched. A dedicated production facility is established in Sydney. International interest grows.
1973
CSR exits its chemical operations and refocuses on building products, construction materials and mining.
1973–2005
Research into calcium sucrose phosphate technologies continues internationally using CSR legacy Anticay material and a variety of other materials with different names and applications.
2005
Redevelopment of Anticay® technology begins in Australia.
2006
John Curtin, one of the original Anticay® developers, produces laboratory batches in Sydney and assists with knowledge transfer and process redevelopment.
2006–2012
Further product development, manufacturing investigations and technical evaluation take place.
2013
Finished goods manufacturing expands into India and calcium sucrose phosphate-based commercial products continue.
2013–Present
Scientific research into calcium sucrose phosphate technologies continues to grow, particularly in the fields of remineralisation and enamel health.
Today
New Anticay® technology and Anticay® Tooth Powder products continue the story that began more than half a century ago, now with modern more natural product formulations..