Kyoto, Japan - In a groundbreaking moment, the first human trials of a revolutionary tooth growth drug are set to begin at Kyoto University Hospital in Kyoto, Japan. Developed by Toregem Biopharma, this drug holds immense promise for individuals suffering from congenital tooth loss or those who have lost teeth due to various reasons.
Mechanism of Action
The tooth growth drug targets a protein that suppresses normal tooth development by using an antibody to inhibit its effects. In previous animal studies, the drug successfully stimulated tooth buds in the jawbone, allowing for normal tooth growth.
Trial Phases
Phase 1 (September 2023):
This phase will involve 30 healthy adult males confirmed to have difficulty growing teeth in previously decayed areas.
Phase 2 (2025):
In collaboration with a hospital in Osaka and a medical research institute, Toregem Biopharma will evaluate the drug's efficacy in patients aged 2 to 7 with congenital tooth loss. Currently, such patients have no effective treatment options, leading to the need for age-dependent dentures or dental implants in adulthood.
Significance for Congenital Tooth Loss
Normally, adults have 28 teeth, excluding wisdom teeth. Individuals with fewer than 22 teeth may have congenital tooth loss, a condition affecting approximately 0.1% of adults in Japan. Without early intervention, it can lead to difficulty chewing, jawbone deterioration, and a lack of effective treatments to date.
Potential Impact
If successful, the drug will provide a third option for individuals with congenital tooth loss, alongside dentures and implants. Its estimated cost of 1.5 million yen (approximately $10,000) may be covered by health insurance.
Summary:
Toregem Biopharma's tooth growth drug enters human trials, offering hope to those suffering from congenital tooth loss or tooth decay. The drug's unique mechanism of action, targeting an inhibitor protein, has shown promise in animal studies. With successful trials, the drug could revolutionize treatment options for this prevalent condition, providing a potential long-term solution to tooth regrowth.