In a groundbreaking advancement in both dentistry and genetics, a team of Japanese researchers, led by Katsu Takahashi, is on the verge of a medical revolution that could transform dental care worldwide. The team is developing a drug that could stimulate the growth of new teeth in humans, a discovery that has the potential to bring relief to millions suffering from hereditary dental conditions. Clinical trials for the drug are currently underway, with the aim of making it available to the public by 2030.

Katsu Takahashi, head of the dentistry and oral surgery department at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka, has dedicated his career to the dream of tooth regeneration. “The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist’s dream. I’ve been working on this since I was a graduate student. I was confident I’d be able to make it happen,” he said, reflecting on his long-standing commitment to this vision.

The primary goal of this innovative drug is to help individuals born with fewer than the standard number of adult teeth due to congenital conditions like anodontia. Around 1% of the global population is affected by tooth agenesis, which includes both anodontia (missing all teeth) and oligodontia (missing six or more teeth). These conditions can severely impact basic functions such as chewing, swallowing, and speaking, often affecting a person’s quality of life from a young age.

Takahashi’s journey into molecular biology began in 1991 at Kyoto University, where his interest in the genetic mechanisms of tooth growth took shape. A key moment in his research came when scientists began identifying specific genes that, when deleted, caused genetically modified mice to grow fewer teeth. This discovery opened the door to the possibility of manipulating tooth growth by targeting specific genes.

In 2005, Takahashi and his team made a major breakthrough when they identified a protein, USAG-1, that appeared to limit tooth growth. By developing an antibody-based medicine to neutralize the USAG-1 protein, the researchers found in 2018 that they could induce new teeth growth in mice that were genetically predisposed to have fewer teeth. This groundbreaking work was published in a prominent U.S. scientific journal in 2021, sparking global interest in the potential of tooth regeneration.

As human trials approach, the drug is being prepared for safety testing. If successful, it will initially be used to treat children aged 2 to 6 with anodontia. “We hope to pave the way for the medicine’s clinical use,” Takahashi said, optimistic about the future applications of this discovery.

Tooth regeneration is a natural process for certain animals like sharks and reptiles, which can continuously regrow teeth throughout their lives. Humans, by contrast, only grow two sets of teeth. However, recent research suggests the possibility of a third set of tooth “buds” that could be activated, marking a potential shift in what we know about human dental development.

If successful, this drug could redefine dental care and offer hope to millions who suffer from tooth loss due to congenital or acquired conditions. Takahashi’s work could be the key to unlocking a future where regenerating teeth is no longer just a dream, but a reality.

By Impact Lab