Key points from article :
Researchers at Kyoto University will start the world's first human trial of a tooth-regrowing drug in September, testing it on 30 adult men missing at least one molar.
The drug works by deactivating a protein called USAG-1, which normally suppresses tooth growth, and has successfully grown new teeth in ferrets and mice.
Following this initial 11-month trial, the drug will be tested on children with congenital tooth deficiency and, potentially, on individuals who have lost teeth due to environmental factors.
Led by Katsu Takahashi, the team aims to develop a treatment not just for congenital conditions but also for anyone who has lost teeth, regardless of age.
Previous studies in animals demonstrated the drug's ability to stimulate new tooth growth and even strengthen existing bone in the mouth.
The drug's target protein, USAG-1, is very similar across different species, including humans, mice, and ferrets, suggesting its potential effectiveness in humans.
