Clinical trials of an innovative drug designed to grow new teeth have begun in Japan. Scientists hope that this technique will become an alternative to traditional dental implants and prostheses. Testing is currently being conducted on adult volunteers, informs Science Alert.
Experts explain that in most people, in addition to baby and permanent teeth, there are so-called “dental buds” – undeveloped structures that can potentially turn into a new tooth. Usually these “beginnings” remain underdeveloped and eventually disappear.
To stimulate their development, the researchers created a drug that contains antibodies to block the protein USAG-1, which prevents tooth growth. This drug activates the “dental buds” of the third set of teeth: it is present in every person, but it does not develop naturally without external intervention.
Scientists are sure that already in the first phase of testing, the drug will be able to demonstrate its effectiveness by starting the growth of teeth. In addition, the technology promises to help not only children with congenital absence of teeth, but also adults who have lost them due to injuries or diseases.
Research on children aged two to six years who suffer from anodontia is planned to begin in 2025. As part of the experiment, children will be given only one dose of the drug, which should stimulate the growth of new teeth.
