A team of Japanese scientists is developing a treatment that will naturally regrow damaged teeth. Human testing is expected to begin in July 2024.
No need for prostheses or implants, soon we can just wait for the regrowth of this molar that we miss to chew our steak. This project, which could see the light of day by 2030, has occupied Japanese researchers led by Professor Katsu Takahashi for years, particularly at Kyoto University. And the first human tests are scheduled for July 2024.
A disease at the origin of research
All humans normally have 32 teeth. And our teeth grow twice in our lifetime, first the baby teeth, then the teeth that develop between the ages of 6 and 12. But 1% of the world’s population suffers from a congenital condition, which causes them to miss one or more teeth.
This disease is called dental agenesis. It is disabling not only for food but also sometimes for diction. It is for these patients that Japanese researchers are looking for a breakthrough treatment.
Allow indefinite regrowth of teeth
So far all their experiments have been done on mice or ferrets suffering from this dental agenesis. Researchers have discovered a gene that codes for the protein involved in whether or not teeth grow. They discovered that correct or incorrect tooth growth was linked to the functioning of this gene and this protein.
This protein, when everything is normal, stops the process when teeth have been properly replaced, so scientists have created an antibody that can temporarily block the action of this protein, allowing new teeth to grow back again.
They tested their antibody on baby mice and ferrets. And it works. With treatment, these animals that suffered from dental agenesis saw their missing teeth grow again. Will this same phenomenon work in humans? Optimistic Japanese researchers are preparing the first clinical trials. It must be verified that the treatment is safe for humans, and that there are no side effects.
The first tests should normally start in July 2024. They will be reserved first for people suffering from agenesis. Professor Takahashi estimates that a full commercial treatment could be ready by 2030.