The world’s first human trial of a drug that can regenerate teeth will begin in a few months, less than a year on from news of its success in animals. This paves the way for the medicine to be commercially available as early as 2030.
The trial, which will take place at Kyoto University Hospital from September to August 2025, will treat 30 males aged 30-64 who are missing at least one molar. The intravenous treatment will be tested for its efficacy on human dentition, after it successfully grew new teeth in ferret and mouse models with no significant side effects.
“We want to do something to help those who are suffering from tooth loss or absence,” said lead researcher Katsu Takahashi, head of dentistry and oral surgery at Kitano Hospital. “While there has been no treatment to date providing a permanent cure, we feel that people’s expectations for tooth growth are high.”
Following this 11-month first stage, the researchers will then trial the drug on patients aged 2-7 who are missing at least four teeth due to congenital tooth deficiency, which is estimated to affect 1% of people. The team is recruiting for this Phase IIa trial now.
Researchers are then looking at expanding the trial to those with partial edentulism, or people missing one to five permanent teeth due to environmental factors. The incidence of this varies from country to country, but it’s estimated around 5% of Americans are missing teeth, with a much higher incidence among older adults.
The medicine itself deactivates the uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1) protein, which suppresses tooth growth. As we reported in 2023, blocking USAG-1’s interaction with other proteins encourages bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, which triggers new bone to generate.
It resulted in new teeth emerging in the mouths of mice and ferrets, species that share close to the same USAG-1 properties as humans.
“The USAG-1 protein has a high amino acid homology of 97% between different animal species, including humans, mice, and beagles,” the researchers noted. However, there’s no word on a beagle trial just yet…
Molecular biologist and dentist Takahashi has been working on tooth regeneration since 2005, and hopes this treatment won’t just be for congenital dental conditions but for anyone who has lost teeth, at any age.
If successful, this therapy could be available to patients with any permanently missing teeth within six years.
Sources: Kitano Hospital, The Mainichi
News
NIH Scientists Discover Gene Responsible for Rare Eye Disease
Findings supported by the NIH pave the way for the development of genetic testing, clinical trials, and therapies. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and their collaborators have discovered a gene linked to certain [...]
Alzheimer’s Breakthrough: Synthetic THC Pill Proves Effective in Clinical Trial
Patients tolerated synthetic THC (dronabinol) well, without the adverse effects commonly associated with existing Alzheimer’s agitation medications. A study conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine found that a pill form [...]
The Future of Rare Disease Treatment with Precision Medicine
Understanding rare diseases Rare diseases affect less than 5 people out of 10,000. However, this still amounts to about 7% of the world’s population, with over 10,000 such conditions. Almost all are genetic in [...]
Doctors issue warning for upcoming ‘tripledemic
The term ‘tripledemic’ has hit headlines this week as the NHS begins its Covid and fluvaccine roll-out for vulnerable adults. As the cold weather sets in, many of us have experienced a decline in health, and this may [...]
The FDA approved a gel that can stop bleeding from wounds in seconds
Aug 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared Cresilon's gel to quickly control bleeding, the privately held company said on Thursday, potentially giving emergency medical technicians and combat medics a [...]
High levels of microplastics found in prostate tumors, possibly linked to take-out food
The presence of microplastics in prostate tumors points to potential health risks, and researchers are calling for urgent studies to explore how take-out food may be driving this exposure. In a recent study published [...]
AI outperforms radiologists in brain tumor diagnosis
As artificial intelligence advances, its uses and capabilities in real-world applications continue to reach new heights that may even surpass human expertise. In the field of radiology, where a correct diagnosis is crucial to ensure [...]
Breakthrough Study Reveals Molecular Clues to Dementia Origins
Work could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets. For the first time, researchers have identified “molecular markers” linked to degeneration—detectable changes in cells and their gene-regulating networks—that are common across several types [...]
Better than blood tests? Nanoparticle potential found for assessing kidneys
In a study published July 29 in Advanced Materials, University of Texas at Dallas researchers found that X-rays of the kidneys using gold nanoparticles as a contrast agent might be more accurate in detecting kidney [...]
Greener nanomaterials could transform how our everyday stuff is made
Tiny nanoparticles are at the forefront of materials science—with special properties that make them great at absorbing light in solar panels, cleaning wastewater, and delivering drugs precisely. Some nanoparticles take the form of sheets or fibers. But nanomaterials all [...]
AI could predict breast cancer risk via ‘zombie cells’
Women worldwide could see better treatment with new AI technology, which enables better detection of damaged cells and more precisely predicts the risk of getting breast cancer, shows new research from the [...]
Through the eyes of a cat – biomimicry of feline eyes may revolutionize robotic vision
In a recent study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers leveraged crucial aspects of feline eyes, particularly their tapetum lucidum and vertically elongated pupils (VP), to develop a monocular artificial vision system capable of [...]
New Alzheimer’s Therapy Shows Remarkable Results in Animal Trials
A study from TUM demonstrates a promising therapeutic approach. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have made promising advances in preventing Alzheimer’s by developing a new therapeutic strategy. Their approach focuses on targeting the amyloid beta [...]
Rewriting Cancer’s Blueprint: New Study Challenges Old Theories
A new study argues for a revised clonal evolution model of cancer, incorporating genetic and non-genetic factors to improve understanding and treatment. Like all living organisms, cancer cells are driven by the fundamental need [...]
Microplastics Everywhere: Experts Demand Worldwide Treaty Before It’s Too Late
A new report calls for global action on plastic pollution, urging reductions in plastic production and microplastic emissions. Researchers stress the importance of addressing plastic pollution through both scientific and social science perspectives. A [...]
Blood tests could soon predict your risk of Alzheimer’s
Scientists are closing in on biomarkers that reflect the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and could improve treatments. Like many Alzheimer’s researchers, neurologist Randall Bateman is not prone to effusiveness, having endured disappointments in his [...]
