Futurion · Maria Kovaleva · Articles · 2 min read
Japan makes teeth grow back
Japanese researchers launch clinical trials with a drug that blocks the USAG-1 protein to stimulate tooth regrowth in adults. The drug could be available by 2030 and represents a revolution in regenerative dentistry.
🧪 Scientific breakthrough: a drug that stimulates tooth growth
A group of Japanese researchers, led by Katsu Takahashi of the Kitano Medical Research Institute in Osaka, has begun clinical trials of a new drug designed to stimulate tooth growth in humans.
The drug works by blocking the USAG-1 protein (uterine sensitisation-associated gene 1), which suppresses dental growth.
Studies in mice and ferrets have shown that by inhibiting USAG-1, the dormant tooth buds of the “third teeth” are activated, allowing them to grow.
📅 Clinical trials and timeline
Human trials began approximately in September 2024 at Kyoto University Hospital.
The first phase — focused on safety — includes 30 men aged between 30 and 64 who are missing at least one tooth.
Subsequently, it is planned to test the drug in children aged 2 to 7 with congenital tooth agenesis (absence of teeth from birth).
Scientists expect the drug to be available for general use by 2030.
🔍 Why does this matter?
Currently, people who have lost teeth rely on dentures, implants or bridges. This drug could offer a biological solution, rather than a mechanical one.
It is believed that humans possess tooth buds for a “third set of teeth”, which do not normally develop. The drug could activate them.
This advance represents not only dental repair, but a revolution in modern dentistry.
⚠️ Challenges and precautions
Results in animals do not guarantee the same effect in humans.
Safety is essential: even if teeth grow, they must be functional (in terms of strength, chewing, and bite).
Advances in dentistry are opening new professional opportunities for the dentists of the future. If you want to gain clinical experience in Spain, explore our medical internship programmes or find out about opening your own dental clinic in Spain.
