Anaerobe-selective antibacterial compositions and methods

This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising anaerobe-selective antibacterial agents which are substituted or unsubstituted, 1,12-dodecanedioic peroxy acids, or their pharmaceutically-acceptable salts or esters. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for oral administration in the form of mouth rinses and toothpastes. These anaerobe-selective antibacterial compositions are useful for treating or preventing anaerobic bacterial infections, especially diseases of the oral cavity, in humans or lower animals. The present invention further relates to a method for treating or preventing anaerobic bacterial infections such as acne, and especially diseases of the oral cavity such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, in humans or lower animals. The method comprises topically contacting the anaerobe-containing tissue of the human or lower animal with a safe and effective amount of an anaerobe-selective antibacterial agent selected from substituted or unsubstituted 1,12-dodecanedioic peroxy acids, or their pharmaceutically-acceptable salts or esters.