Japan Pharma shares development in world's first tooth regrowth drug

A team of Japanese researchers led by Japanese pharmaceutical Toregem Biopharma recently shared their progress regarding a drug that may allow people to grow new teeth while hoping they can sell it on the market by 2030.

According to the Kyoto University-founded Toregem Biopharma, their team aims to start clinical trials of the drug on healthy adults in July 2024 to check the safety of the drug. This came after they succeeded in their experiments of growing new teeth in mince in 2018.

Researchers also said the drug aims to help people who cannot have or grow a full set of teeth, especially adults.

Scientists said the drug has an antibody that can inhibit the protein that stops the growth of teeth, working on these buds to stimulate the growth of teeth.

"The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist's dream. I've been working on this since I was a graduate student. I was confident I'd be able to make it happen," said Katsu Takahashi, co-founder of Toregem Biopharma and head of dentistry and oral surgery at Kitano Hospital in Osaka.

In 2025, the research team plans to hold a clinical trial of the drug for kids between 2-6 years old with anodontia or those born without some or all permanent teeth, based on the report from The Japan Times.

Meanwhile, Takashi said he hopes the drug will serve as a key to solving teeth problems. (KBAPI)