Human testing of the tooth-growing drug – – has begun

In principle, humans may be able to grow a third set of teeth during their lifetime, but by default, similar to most mammals, we only have the opportunity to use up two sets of teeth. This is largely due to a protein called USAG-1, which is a protein that inhibits tooth growth.

A group of scientists is working on a drug to prevent this, and since it has been tested on mice and ferrets without side effects, human trials have now begun.

Testing is taking place at Kyoto University Hospital, where 30 patients between the ages of 30 and 64 who are missing at least one molar will receive the drug. The drug is given intravenously, and the first results can be seen within a few months. According to all preliminary surveys, there is reason to be optimistic: it is possible that the drug can revolutionize dental treatments.

The first is obviously safety, so we are still a long way from being able to get it at the corner pharmacy, but hopefully one day we will get to the point where this becomes possible.