Gravitas: Losing teeth? This drug can re-grow them | WION

Summary

Japanese researchers are developing a revolutionary medicine that could enable humans to regrow lost teeth. The drug targets a protein that suppresses the growth of tooth buds, allowing them to develop into new teeth. Clinical trials are expected to start in 2024 for adults and 2025 for children, with the aim of treating conditions like anodontia and offering a natural alternative to dentures or implants. The journey began in 2005, with successful trials on mice and ferrets, and the drug could potentially transform dental care by 2030.

Takeaways

• 🦷 Traditionally, once adult teeth are lost, they cannot be naturally regenerated, leaving gaps or requiring artificial replacements.
• 🌟 Japanese researchers are developing a medicine that could enable the regrowth of lost teeth in humans.
• 👶 The medicine targets tooth buds, small structures under the gums that have the potential to develop into new teeth but are usually suppressed.
• 🛡️ The growth of tooth buds is typically inhibited by a protein, and the new drug is designed to block this protein's formation.
• 🧪 Thorigem Biopharma, a Japanese pharmaceutical startup, is leading the development of this antibody drug.
• 📅 Clinical trials for adults are expected to start in the coming year, with trials for children planned for 2025.
• 🎯 The goal is to have the drug available on the market by 2030, offering a new solution for tooth loss.
• 🐭 Successful trials have already been conducted on mice, and similar positive results were observed in ferrets, which have dental patterns akin to humans.
• 🧒 The drug could potentially treat children with anodontia, a genetic disorder preventing tooth development, as well as adults who have lost teeth to cavities.
• 🦈 The development of this drug draws inspiration from animals like sharks, lizards, and geckos, which can grow multiple sets of teeth.
• 🌐 If successful, humans may join the ranks of these species, gaining the ability to naturally regenerate teeth.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the research conducted by Japanese scientists?

The main focus of the research is to develop a medicine that can help people regrow their teeth.

What are tooth buds and why are they significant in this research?

Tooth buds are structures beneath the gums that have the potential to develop into new teeth. They are significant because the research aims to stimulate their growth to regrow teeth.

What is the protein that suppresses the growth of tooth buds and how does the new medicine work?

The growth of tooth buds is suppressed by a protein naturally formed by the body. The new medicine, an antibody drug, is being developed to inhibit the formation of this protein, allowing tooth buds to grow into new teeth.

Which company is working on the development of this tooth regrowing drug?

A Japanese pharmaceutical startup called Thorigem Biopharma is working on the drug.

When are the clinical trials for adults expected to begin, according to the script?

The clinical trials for adults are expected to begin next year, as per the script's timeline.

What is the projected timeline for the drug to be available on the market?

The researchers aim to have the drug on the market by 2030.

What was the first successful trial of the new teeth-growing method conducted on?

The first successful trial of the new teeth-growing method was conducted on mice in 2018.

What genetic disorder does the drug hope to treat in children?

The drug aims to treat anodontia, a genetic disorder where a child fails to develop teeth.

How does the drug intend to benefit adults who have lost their teeth?

The drug intends to provide a more natural and permanent alternative to dentures or implants for adults who have lost their teeth due to cavities.

Which animal species are known to be capable of growing multiple sets of teeth, as mentioned in the script?

Sharks, lizards, and geckos are examples of animal species capable of growing multiple sets of teeth.

What is the significance of the human trials mentioned in the script?

The human trials are significant as they are the next step in validating the effectiveness and safety of the tooth regrowing drug before it can be approved for market use.