Trials Planned For Miracle Tooth-Growing Drug

Early next year, human trials for a medication intended to promote tooth growth are scheduled to begin.

If the drug proves effective, it could be a game-changer for millions of people who wear dentures.

Researchers in Japan expect the treatment, yet to be named, could be rolled out to patients by 2030 if successful. 

The medication increased tooth growth in mice and ferrets, according to early experiments.

The drug is designed for those who, due to genetic factors, do not have a complete set of adult teeth.

But the scientists described it as ‘every dentist’s dream’, suggesting it may be used more widely in the future. 

Japanese media reported clinical trials are set to begin in July 2024.

The drug, an antibody treatment, works by suppressing USAG-1. 

The gene limits the growth of teeth, studies have shown.

At the time of their initial breakthrough on rodents in 2021, scientists from Kyoto University and the University of Fukui admitted they didn’t know if blocking USAG-1 ‘would be enough’ to work.

However, their experiments were a great success.

The process is hoped to spark a ‘third generation’ of teeth in humans, who begin with their baby teeth before developing their permanent set.

Speaking about the human trial, Dr Takahashi told the Mainichi newspaper: ‘The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist’s dream. 

‘I’ve been working on this since I was a graduate student.

He added: ‘I was confident I’d be able to make it happen. We hope to pave the way for the medicine’s clinical use.’ 

Anodontia is a genetic condition in which teeth are missing.

Although studies have indicated that women are more likely than men to have it, the precise number of affected individuals worldwide is unknown.

According to the latest Government statistics, some 73 per cent of people in the UK have one or more missing back teeth, while 7.6 per cent have one or more missing front teeth.

Meanwhile, in the US, over 25 per cent of adults aged 65 or older have eight or fewer teeth, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has said. 

Dentures and other artificial tooth replacements are the only available treatments for tooth loss at this time.

However, they are inferior to natural teeth, are not permanent, and are frequently costly.

Scientists have described it as ‘every dentist’s dream’. In the US, it would be every dentist’s nightmare because it would kill the cash cow, and it would be the same for those who have to pay for private dentistry.

Furthermore, because they need to maintain the industry’s revenue flow, they will make it unaffordable for the general public, particularly for those who are most in need, even if it is inexpensive to produce.

Of course, there is an alternative scenario: will the FDA approve this medication or, like so many previous medicines, will they ban it? And of course, you never get something for nothing. What will the side effects be of this new drug?

Even if all of this sounds fantastic, cancer still has no known cure. Pharmaceutical firms would profit from making us sicker, not from finding a cure for cancer, so perhaps they have already discovered one and are keeping it a secret.

But hold on a second—don’t mice’ teeth regrow? Indeed, a rat’s incisor teeth grow continually throughout its life. If an incisor tooth breaks, the tooth bud and reserve crown will stay in place, allowing the incisor to grow again.

Rats must gnaw on suitable things to wear down their teeth because of this constant growth; otherwise, the teeth would get enlarged, which could be painful and lead to serious health issues.

Furthermore, how many people actually purchase mouthwashes? They all think they can somehow prevent tooth decay, but they don’t, especially mouthwashes with alcohol or acidic compounds that might erode tooth enamel or create dry mouth.

Also, some antibacterial mouthwashes can destroy beneficial bacteria in the mouth, disrupting the oral microbiome and leading to corrosion.

It is preferable to use a mouthwash with fluoride, but only in small amounts. These are the most important variables in maintaining dental health, along with brushing, flossing, and eating a balanced diet.

Actually, all of this medical science sounds fantastic! The last thing I want is to resemble a Tyrannosaurus Rex.