According to a report in the Japan Times, researchers from Japan are actively developing a groundbreaking medication aimed at enabling patients to generate entirely new teeth. The project is being undertaken by Toregem Biopharma, a company funded by Kyoto University. They are planning to commence clinical trials involving healthy adults in July 2024, with the ultimate goal of bringing this innovative drug to market by 2030.
Revolutionary Antibody Drug Sparks Tooth Regeneration Breakthrough
It is worth noting that both humans and animals possess “tooth buds” with the potential to develop into new teeth, in addition to their baby and permanent teeth. However, in many cases, these tooth buds do not mature and eventually vanish. Toregem Biopharma has now created an antibody drug designed to block the protein in the mouth responsible for inhibiting growth and preventing the development of these tooth buds.
In a significant development, ferrets were administered this antibody drug in 2018, resulting in the successful growth of new teeth. These ferrets possessed both baby and permanent teeth, similar to humans. The company’s upcoming trials will focus on patients with anodontia, a congenital condition characterized by the absence of some or all permanent teeth. Children with this condition will receive a single dose of the drug to stimulate tooth growth.
Toregem Biopharma’s Vision for Dental Health and Tooth Regeneration
Katsu Takahashi, co-founder of Toregem Biopharma and head of dentistry and oral surgery at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, highlighted the importance of this drug for children with missing teeth, as it can impact the development of their jaw bone. Additionally, the company has plans to use the drug in the future for adults who have lost teeth due to cavities.
Honoka Kiso, the president of Toregem, shared her personal motivation for this endeavor on the company’s website. She mentioned losing teeth due to a bone disease during her teenage years and expressed her desire to understand the cause of her condition and explore methods for regenerating lost teeth. Toregem Biopharma’s initial aim is to assist individuals with congenital tooth loss resulting from genetic factors, with the ultimate goal of offering advanced and scientifically-driven clinical solutions for growing teeth from a patient’s own tissues.
