Natureoroma, based in Ramanagaram, Bengaluru South district, has developed Squacare, a topical oral gel designed to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). OSMF is a chronic pre-malignant condition of the oral cavity, characterized by inflammation, fibrosis of the oral mucosa, stiffness, and reduced mouth opening. The condition is highly prevalent in India and parts of South East Asia, largely linked to arecanut, gutkha, and pan masala consumption—habits particularly common among younger populations.
From Soft Launch to Full Rollout
Following a soft launch at the national-level conference on An Integrative Approach to Cancer, Squacare is now slated for a full-fledged commercial launch in December 2025 in collaboration with Group Pharmaceuticals. With this initiative, Natureoroma aims to provide a safe and effective non-invasive adjunct in the management of OSMF.
Backed by Clinical Evidence
Squacare’s efficacy and safety have been validated through a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group clinical study conducted at M R Ambedkar Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru. Led by Dr. G Roopashri, Professor and Head, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, the study demonstrated that Squacare significantly reduces burning sensations, improves mouth opening, and enhances mucosal flexibility. Importantly, it also shows potential in reducing the risk of malignant transformation.
Herbal Formulation with Proven Benefits
The gel is formulated with extracts from 12 medicinal herbs, including bakula (Mimusops elengi), nirgundi (Vitex negundo), nigaki (Picrorhiza kurroa), aswagandha (Withania somnifera), jatiphala (Myristica fragrans), upakuncica (Rauwolfia serpentina), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), and punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). Each ingredient is recognized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, healing, and immunomodulatory effects.
As reported by pharmabiz.com, designed for direct topical application to affected areas of the oral mucosa, Squacare is recommended for twice-daily use alongside prescribed physiotherapy, providing a comprehensive approach to OSMF management.
Industry Perspectives
According to H. Srinivas, Director, Natureoroma and former Deputy Drugs Controller, Karnataka Drugs Control Department, “Squacare is a safe, non-invasive adjunct in the symptomatic management of OSMF, helping reduce burning sensation, promote healing, and improve mouth function.” Sunil Attavar, Chairman, Group Pharmaceuticals, added, “Squacare represents an advancement in OSMF management. It is backed by clinical studies and is patent pending.”
L P Sugandhi, Associate Vice President – Marketing, Group Pharmaceuticals, said: “Relieving OSMF symptoms will reduce patient morbidity. With excellent trial feedback, I believe dentists will readily adopt Squacare for patient benefit.” Dr. Sunil S. Chiplunkar, Vice President – Business Development, Group Pharmaceuticals, emphasized: “The launch of Squacare is a strategic moonshot, addressing OSMF challenges not only in India but also in Indonesia, Malaysia, and other South East Asian countries where areca, gutkha, and tobacco chewing remain widespread.”