Clinical trials of the world’s first drug for dental regeneration will begin in September

In September, clinical trials of the world’s first drug for dental regeneration will take place at Kyoto University Hospital in Japan. The drug, based on an antibody that deactivates the USAG-1 protein, is initially intended for patients born with some or all missing teeth (congenital dental agenesis). Over time, the researchers hope to expand the therapy to people who have lost teeth either accidentally or due to infection. While in healthy people the number of permanent teeth is strictly limited to 32, approximately 1% of the population has more permanent teeth (hyperdontia, or supernumerary teeth) or fewer (dental agenesis). Dental agenesis occurs as a result of premature cessation of tooth development and includes hypodontia (missing 1 to 5 permanent teeth), oligodontia (absence of more than 6 teeth), and anodontia (absence of all teeth). Although several genes have been identified as being responsible for congenital tooth agenesis, research has shown that one protein in particular regulates the formation of new teeth. This is a USAG-1 protein that suppresses the activation of BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) and Wnt factors, two signaling molecules necessary for the development of bones and teeth.