Toregem Biopharma, a Japanese pharmaceutical firm, recently unveiled its revolutionary drug capable of growing new teeth in humans. Drawing on the discovery that humans possess “tooth buds” which have the potential to develop into mature teeth, the company formulated an antibody drug to harness this innate ability.
The innovation lies in the medicine’s unique approach to tackle a protein that usually restricts these buds from maturing. By counteracting this protein, the drug permits these latent buds to flourish into fully-grown teeth.
This groundbreaking achievement is the culmination of years of meticulous research, with its early-stage trials conducted on ferrets, who possess dental structures reminiscent of human baby and permanent teeth. Encouraging results from these trials exhibited new teeth growth in the test animals.
Children suffering from anodontia – a congenital condition where permanent teeth are absent – are the primary focus for Toregem’s upcoming human trials. The company aims to administer a single dose of the drug to stimulate tooth growth in these children.
Speaking about the profound implications of their discovery, Toregem co-founder Katsu Takahashi stated, “The absence of teeth can seriously impede a child’s jaw bone development. We envision this drug as a definitive solution to such challenges.” Company president Honoka Kiso shared a personal connection, recounting her own experience with lost teeth due to a mandibular bone disease, which fueled her passion for dentistry and subsequent research on tooth regeneration.
While this pioneering drug promises a significant leap forward, maintaining optimal dental hygiene remains imperative. Some key practices include consistent brushing, using fluoride toothpaste, scrubbing the tongue, utilizing mouthwash, drinking water, and regular flossing. For those struggling with traditional floss, alternatives like dental flossers and water flossers can be effective tools.
