Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has expressed her excitement over a groundbreaking drug developed by Japanese biotech firm Toregem Biopharma, which has the potential to regrow human teeth. Mazumdar-Shaw hailed the discovery as an “amazing breakthrough” that could disrupt the field of dentistry, even suggesting that it could make dental implants obsolete. “It will disrupt dentistry for sure!” Mazumdar-Shaw tweeted on Sunday, celebrating the innovation.
The drug targets a protein called USAG-1, which inhibits the growth of new teeth. By blocking this protein, the researchers discovered that it is possible to stimulate the natural growth of teeth in the exact spot where old ones had been. Initial tests conducted on mice showed promising results, as the drug successfully stimulated new tooth growth. Katsu Takahashi, head of oral surgery at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka, explained that while humans and most mammals typically grow only two sets of teeth during their lifetime, hidden beneath the gums are dormant buds that could potentially form a third set.
Building on these findings, Takahashi and his team began clinical trials in October at Kyoto University Hospital, where they administered the experimental drug to adult participants. “It’s a technology completely new to the world,” Takahashi stated, emphasizing the revolutionary nature of the treatment.
Dental implants, which have long been the go-to solution for tooth loss, can be expensive and require invasive surgery. Takahashi highlighted the advantages of restoring natural teeth, noting that this new treatment could radically change dental care. Lab images of regrown teeth in animals have shown how blocking the USAG-1 protein can reactivate dormant tooth buds. In a study published last year, Takahashi’s team reported that their antibody treatment had successfully stimulated tooth regeneration in mice, with the potential to address tooth anomalies in humans.
The initial application of the drug is focused on individuals with severe congenital conditions. Around 0.1% of people are born missing six or more permanent teeth, a genetic anomaly that often leads to difficulties with chewing and social stigma. Many of these individuals, particularly in Japan, spend their teenage years wearing face masks to hide the gaps in their mouths. Takahashi believes this drug could be transformative for these patients. “This drug could be a game-changer for them,” he remarked.
As clinical trials progress, the potential of this new treatment could mark a turning point in the way dental issues are managed, offering an alternative to traditional prosthetic solutions.
Related topics:
American Dental Care Launches Initiative to Cut Cosmetic Dental Costs by 30%
Functional Dentistry: Revolutionizing Oral Health and Its Impact on Overall Well-Being
Poor Oral Hygiene Linked to Serious Health Risks, Experts Warn
