New research suggests that humans may be able to grow new teeth within the next six years. While bones have the remarkable ability to regenerate when broken, teeth do not share the same fortune, resulting in millions suffering from toothlessness worldwide. Japanese scientists are now advancing a promising drug for tooth regeneration into human trials, with hopes of it being available for all forms of tooth loss by 2030.
The human body contains 206 bones, which serve as the sturdy framework that supports us daily. Bones, composed of calcium, minerals, and collagen, exhibit remarkable resilience and can regenerate themselves if fractured. Teeth, on the other hand, do not possess this self-healing capability despite sharing similar components with bones. However, Japanese researchers are making strides with an experimental drug that shows potential for regrowing human teeth, with human trials commencing in 2024.
This drug development stems from years of research on an antibody called Uterine sensitization-associated gene-1, which has been found to impede tooth growth in animals. Scientists discovered a monoclonal antibody in 2021 that disrupts this process, leading to the current human trials. If successful, the drug aims to provide a permanent solution to tooth loss, with initial trials focusing on individuals aged 30 to 64 who are missing at least one tooth.
Researchers anticipate administering the treatment to children aged 2 to 7 missing four or more teeth if the trials yield positive results. The ultimate goal is to have a tooth-regrowing medicine available to the public by 2030, potentially benefiting individuals with congenital tooth deficiencies or those who have lost teeth due to various reasons.
