Health Japanese startup: first tooth-regenerating drug being tested

[thomas]

A Japanese startup called Toregem Biopharma is set to begin clinical trials for a groundbreaking treatment that can regrow teeth. The drug, an antibody, specifically targets a protein that inhibits tooth growth. In animal trials, it successfully stimulated the development of tooth buds in the jaw, leading to the formation of new teeth. This development is particularly significant for individuals with congenital anodontia, a rare condition where some or all teeth are missing from birth. Currently, those affected typically rely on implants or dentures, but this new treatment could address the root cause of the condition and provide an alternative solution.

The company is set to start Phase 1 physician-led clinical trials to ensure that the drug is safe. Testing will start with 30 healthy male adults who are unlikely to grow more teeth even if the drug works. If all goes well, plans are to move on in 2025 to Phase 2 trials gauging effectiveness, with the treatment administered to patients aged 2 to 7 with congenital anodontia. Toregem hopes to offer the antibody drug for 1.5 million JPY (USD9,800) and have it covered by health insurance.

Japan pharma startup developing world-first drug to grow new teeth

Toregem Biopharma, funded by Kyoto University, is expected to begin clinical trials on healthy adults in around July 2024 to confirm the drug's safety.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Paywall alert:

World's first tooth-regenerating drug to enter testing in Japan

Startup aims to roll out antibody treatment in 2030 as alternative to implants

asia.nikkei.com

 

[Grandpa Frank]

OMG!!! I sure could use that ! I have no teeth left from junk food & soda. My top plate stays in OK , but the bottom plate just won't stay no matter what I try. I went to see about 4 implants for the bottom plate and the cost was 12,800US with no guarantee they would solve the problem.

 

[dracuella]

Like all the cool new health discoveries, they probably won't be fully ready in our lifetimes. But it's astounding they've come up with something like this.
I just hope we don't turn into sharks xD

 

[Grandpa Frank]

Shark teeth would be OK. If someone bothers me , I could bite them , LOL.