27/08/2024
New drug regrows teeth:
A drug that can regrow human teeth has been developed by Japanese scientists.
The new antibody drug is designed to target proteins that inhibit tooth growth. This innovative treatment could serve as a substitute for invasive implants or dentures. The company behind the drug, Toregem Biopharma, intends to begin human clinical trials by July 2024, with a vision to market the drug by 2030, if trials prove successful. The drug operates by suppressing a gene known as USAG-1, which prevents the development of "tooth buds" into teeth. Earlier animal studies, notably on ferrets, demonstrated promising results with the drug inducing new teeth growth. In 2025, trials are planned for children aged 2 to 6 with anodontia, a genetic condition preventing permanent teeth development, and also for adults who have lost teeth due to cavities. Dr. Katsu Takahashi, who is leading the project, has been devoted to this cause since his graduate studies and envisions this tooth-regrowth medicine as a third alternative to dentures and implants. Following successful animal trials, the focus will shift to human trials, particularly targeting children with anodontia, wherein a single drug dose will be administered to evaluate its efficacy in inducing teeth growth. If trials are favorable, the drug might attain regulatory approval by 2030, offering a groundbreaking solution for individuals lacking a full set of teeth, and potentially revolutionizing dental care.
