Osaka: Japanese scientists have developed a drug that can regenerate human teeth. Katsu Takahashi, from Kitano Hospital in Osaka and Kyoto University, says scientists want to do something to help people who are missing or have lost teeth.
The breakthrough came after testing an antibody called Uterine Sensitization-Associated Gene-1 (USAG-1) that inhibited tooth development in mice and ferrets.
In 2021, Kyoto scientists discovered a monoclonal antibody that interferes with the interaction of USAG-1 with a molecule called Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP).
Study author Katsuhiko Takahashi said in a press release that scientists now know that suppressing USAG-1 is beneficial for tooth development. However, it is not clear if this alone will be enough.
Ferrets are diphodont animals, meaning they have two teeth like humans. Scientists now have to determine the extent of this similarity, as human experiments began this September.
The 11-month study will involve 30 men between the ages of 30 and 64, each missing at least one tooth.
It is important to note that animal studies have not shown any adverse effects of this drug.
