Oral diseases are the most widespread health conditions on the planet, affecting over 3.5 billion people — nearly half the global population. Despite their scale, they remain dramatically under-prioritized in global public health strategies. The consequences go far beyond the mouth, with untreated gum disease linked to Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The economic toll exceeds $800 billion annually — more than the GDP of most countries.
Oral diseases are the most widespread health conditions on the planet, affecting over 3.5 billion people — nearly half the global population. Among these, dental cavities are the #1 most common chronic disease in children, more prevalent than asthma, obesity, or diabetes. Despite their ubiquity, oral diseases remain dramatically under-prioritized in public health strategies.
The economic impact is staggering. Dental caries alone costs over $500 billion annually in restorative treatment, lost productivity, and the cascading effects of untreated decay. Periodontitis adds an additional $155 billion in the U.S. and €160 billion in Europe, with strong associations to chronic disease. Combined, these two diseases account for a global economic impact exceeding $800 billion — more than the GDP of most countries.
Beyond the mouth, the consequences are systemic. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. These are not isolated conditions — they are gateways to broader health deterioration.
Addressing oral health is not a cosmetic issue. It is a critical global health, equity, and economic priority — and Praetorian Bio is leading the charge.
Praetorian Bio was born from the vision of applying mucosal immunology to one of the world’s most overlooked public health crises: oral disease. Francisco Leon, MD, PhD, a leading immunologist and co-developer of six approved drugs, recognized the opportunity. He joined forces with Ivo Ploemen, PhD, MBA, a veteran in vaccine development; Armando Cuesta, MD, MBA, a physician and biotech investor; Dinja Oosterhoff, PhD, an expert in translational vaccine design; and Tony Garramone.
