Researchers from Kyoto University (Japan) are conducting clinical trials of a drug capable of stimulating new tooth growth in adults. The drug is designed to block a protein produced by the USAG-1 gene, which suppresses natural tooth growth, fontanka.ru reports.

Scientists have found that most people, in addition to baby and permanent teeth, have so-called "tooth buds"—potential beginnings of a third set of teeth. Normally, these buds do not develop and disappear over time. The drug is designed to activate these buds.

Clinical trials are being conducted at Kitano Hospital. The first phase involves 30 men aged 30 to 65, each missing at least one molar. Following this phase, the drug is planned to be tested on patients aged 2 to 7 years with four or more congenitally missing teeth.

Early experiments in mice and ferrets demonstrated successful new tooth growth after blocking USAG-1, paving the way for human trials.

Until now, lost teeth could only be restored with prosthetics or implants, which involve surgery and the risk of complications. If successful, this new development could become an alternative to these methods.

If trials are successful, the drug could be widely available by 2030.