Root 
Japanese researchers have developed a revolutionary drug that could be a permanent solution to tooth loss. The treatment, which aims to naturally regrow teeth, is being tested on humans after success in animal studies. If the results are positive, it will open the door to a brand new treatment for millions of people, from children to adults, who are born with missing teeth by 2030.
Japanese researchers have developed a drug that will enable the regrowth of teeth after they have been lost. If clinical trials are successful, this treatment will be widely available by 2030.
NEW TOOTH-REGULATION DRUG DEVELOPED
The human body is composed of 206 bones, and bones can repair themselves when damaged. However, despite being the hardest structures in the body, teeth cannot regenerate. Japanese scientists are working on a new treatment to address this deficiency.
ANIMAL EXPERIMENTS SUCCESSFUL
The research is based on a specific antibody called “USAG-1,” which has been shown to inhibit tooth growth. In 2021, scientists at Kyoto University developed a method that inhibits the effect of this antibody and triggers tooth development. This method disrupts the interaction between bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and the antibody. After the experiments in ferrets yielded positive results, the team began clinical trials on humans.
TRIALS ON 30 MEN WITH AT LEAST ONE TOOTH MISSING
As of September 2024, trials have begun on 30 men between the ages of 30 and 64 who are missing at least one tooth. The drug is administered intravenously and will last 11 months. Scientists are hopeful because no side effects have been observed in previous animal tests.
INTENDED TO BE AVAILABLE IN 2030
In the later stages of the study, children with congenital tooth loss will also be able to benefit from the treatment. Kitano Hospital plans to implement this treatment, particularly in children aged 2 to 7. The ultimate goal is to make this tooth regrowth treatment safely and widely available by 2030.
GOAL: A NEW HOPE
“We know that suppressing USAG-1 promotes tooth formation. Now we are testing whether this works in humans,” said Katsu Takahashi, who led the study. Takahashi stated that they aim to offer new hope for everyone who has lost teeth, as well as those who are congenitally missing teeth.
