By Patricia Lanzagarita
JAPANESE scientists from Toregem Biopharma are currently developing the world’s first-ever drug that can stimulate the growth of new teeth.
The pharma start-up is expected to conduct clinical trials of the medicine in humans in July 2024 following their successful experiment of growing new teeth in mice in 2018.
They are also preparing to hold clinical trials in 2025 for children aged between 2 and 6 years old who are diagnosed with anodontia or those who are born without some or all permanent teeth.
Toregem Biopharma President Honoka Kiso said that her aspiration to study about the process of tooth generation led her to be involved in a research headed by Dr. Katsu Takahashi, the co-founder of the start-up, and the head of dentistry and oral surgery at Kitano Hospital.
“I am also a lucky person who was able to administer antibodies to tooth loss model mice and first confirm that they had teeth. Of course I was surprised at the unbelievable results, but it’s true. Beginning with mouse research, the effect has now been confirmed in dogs with tooth loss,” Kiso stated.
The pharma aims to provide solutions for children and adults who are seeking treatment for congenital, dental anomalies, teeth loss due to cavities, and others.
“Toregem Bio Pharma with its innovation driven drugs/therapies for tooth regeneration hopes to improve and realize a healthy and prosperous society for the people dealing with dental issues around the world,” the president stated.
Source: Toregem Biopharma (https://toregem.co.jp/en/home_en#) and The Japan Times (https://bit.ly/3RXS6sN)
(AI/MNM)