Japanese scientists develop drug to grow new teeth naturally
Photo: Scientists invent a drug for tooth growth (Freepik)
Japanese researchers have taken a step that could forever change dentistry. They have developed an experimental drug that makes the body grow new, natural teeth, according to The Mainichi.
What is known about the scientific breakthrough in dentistry
Exactly one year ago, in September 2024, the first clinical trials on humans began. Scientists have been studying a gene called USAG-1 for years. It turned out that it acts as a natural “brake” that stops the growth of new teeth after we have formed our permanent set.
A team from Kitano Hospital in Osaka and Kyoto University developed a drug that temporarily disables the action of this gene. When the “brake” is released, the body receives a signal to form a new tooth from existing tooth buds.
"We want to do something to help those who are suffering from tooth loss or absence. While there has been no treatment to date providing a permanent cure, we feel that people's expectations for tooth growth are high," said the research leader, Katsu Takahashi.
The first stage of clinical trials will last 11 months. It involves 30 men aged 30 to 64, each of whom has lost at least one tooth. The drug is administered intravenously to prove its safety and effectiveness for humans. Notably, no adverse side effects were observed in previous animal studies.
When to expect a revolution in dentistry?
If the current stage of trials is successful, the team plans to move to the next stage — testing the drug on children aged 2 to 7 who suffer from congenital absence of several teeth.
The ultimate goal of the researchers is to make the drug available to the general public by 2030.
Initially, the drug will be intended for people with congenital anomalies, but Dr. Takahashi hopes that in the future it will become available to anyone who has lost a tooth due to injury or disease. This opens incredible prospects where implants and dentures may become a thing of the past.
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