Imagine a future where losing a tooth doesn’t mean dental implants or dentures, but simply the ability to grow a new one. Thanks to groundbreaking research in Japan, that future might be closer than you think. A company called Toregem Biopharma, backed by Kyoto University, is developing a revolutionary drug that may enable patients to regrow their teeth. With clinical trials set to begin in July 2024, let’s delve into what this means for dental health and how the drug works.
What is the New Drug?
Toregem Biopharma aims to be the first in the world to create a medicine that promotes tooth regrowth. According to reports from the Japan Times, the company plans to conduct clinical trials on healthy adults next year, with hopes of bringing the drug to market by 2030.
How Does the Drug Work?
The secret to this innovative drug lies in something called “tooth buds.” Both humans and animals have these natural structures that have the potential to develop into new teeth. However, these tooth buds often fail to grow or die off prematurely.
Mechanism of Action:
- Targeting the USAG-1 Protein: Toregem Biopharma has developed an antibody medication that blocks a protein in the mouth known to slow down the growth of these buds. By “inactivating the USAG-1 protein,” the drug aims to stimulate the process of tooth resorption, encouraging the formation of new teeth.
- Previous Success: In 2018, researchers tested this treatment on ferrets, which have teeth very similar to human teeth. The results were promising, leading the company to expand its research to human applications.
Focus on Anodontia
The first human trials will target individuals with anodontia, a genetic condition where some or all permanent teeth are absent. The plan is to administer a single injection to children with this condition, which could encourage the development of new teeth.
Expert Insight:
Katsu Takahashi, a co-founder of Toregem Biopharma and a leading dentist at Osaka’s Kitano Hospital, stated that children with missing teeth often struggle with jawbone development. He expressed hope that the new drug could be a solution to these issues.
Broader Applications
While the initial focus is on congenital tooth loss, there is potential for the drug to be used in adults who have lost teeth due to cavities or other dental issues. The vision is to offer a scientifically-driven clinical solution that allows patients to regenerate their own teeth using their own tissues.
Personal Motivation
Honoko Kiso, the president of Toregem Biopharma, has a personal connection to the research. Having lost her own teeth as a teenager due to a bone disease, she was motivated to study the causes and explore ways to regenerate lost teeth. She emphasized the company’s commitment to treating patients who cannot grow permanent teeth due to genetic reasons.
How Many Teeth Do Humans Have?
Understanding the anatomy of our teeth can put this research into perspective. Here are some key facts:
- Total Teeth Count: Adults typically have 28 permanent teeth, or 32 if wisdom teeth are included.
- Baby Teeth: The first set, known as baby teeth or milk teeth, consists of 20 teeth that begin to emerge around six months of age.
- Permanent Teeth: The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth generally starts around age six and continues until about age 12 or 13.
Breakdown of Tooth Types:
- Incisors: 8
- Canines: 4
- Premolars: 8
- Molars: 4
- Wisdom Teeth: 4 (typically appear between ages 17 and 25)
It’s important to note that not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and some may require removal if there isn’t enough space in the jaw.
Conclusion: A Future of Dental Regrowth
The development of a drug that could enable tooth regrowth represents a significant advancement in dental medicine. While it’s still in the early stages, the potential to help individuals with congenital tooth loss or those who have lost teeth later in life is promising. As Toregem Biopharma prepares for its clinical trials, we may be looking at a future where the phrase “lost my tooth” will no longer be a cause for concern, but simply a momentary setback in a person’s dental journey.
References
- Japan Times – Japanese researchers developing drug to regrow teeth
- ABC News – Katsu Takahashi’s insights on tooth regrowth
- Economic Times – Understanding human teeth