Japanese scientists have done it again! This time developing a miraculous new drug that could literally see people growing a new set teeth after their first two sets have fallen out!
As most people know, we usually get just two sets of teeth, one in childhood that falls out to be replaced by our adult teeth. But some people fail to grow any teeth for genetic reasons. Now, thanks to research at Kyoto University Hospital, it may be possible to get toothless people smiling again.
As reported by dental matters website Dentinova:
As reported by dental matters website Dentinova:
"At a highly anticipated conference this year, Dr. Katsu Takahashi, the pioneering Japanese dentist and scientist, officially announced the launch of new human clinical trials for his groundbreaking tooth regeneration drug. Backed by years of research and development in biomimetic science, this innovation is being brought to reality through Toregem Biopharma, the biotech startup co-founded by Dr. Takahashi to bridge laboratory success and real-world dental care.
The announcement drew global attention, as it offers hope to millions suffering from congenital tooth loss, trauma-related tooth absence, and severe dental diseases. For the first time, the possibility of regrowing natural human teeth rather than replacing them with artificial solutions is moving closer to everyday clinical practice."
The treatment is based on Dr. Katsu Takahashi’s discovery of the P26 Peptide that can overcome "agenesis" or non-growth of teeth.
"In congenital tooth agenesis, people are born missing teeth because of genetic defects that interrupt critical signals needed for tooth formation. Dr. Katsu Takahashi’s team identified that by delivering the P26 peptide—an antibody that blocks a natural inhibitor of tooth growth—they could restart the tooth development process. The peptide acts like a switch, reawakening dormant tooth buds and enabling them to continue growing.
In animal studies, a single dose of P26 led to the regeneration of new, fully functional teeth in mice, ferrets, and dogs. The regenerated teeth showed normal strength and appearance, bonding seamlessly with existing dental structures."
The trials, which began last October, focus on confirming safety in healthy adult volunteers. If successful, the study will move on to patients with congenital tooth agenesis, particularly those born without certain permanent teeth.
"If everything proceeds smoothly, Dr. Takahashi estimates that within the next few years, tooth regeneration treatments may become available for wider patient groups, including those who have lost teeth due to trauma or disease."
Dr. Takahashi isn’t stopping at P26. He revealed that his biotech start-up Toregem Biopharma is also exploring faster-acting formulations that reduce treatment time, regeneration for larger dental defects, combination therapies to regenerate surrounding bone and gum tissuem and even potential applications beyond dentistry such as craniofacial bone regeneration.
Presentation by Dr. Takahashi in Japanese:
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