The first human tests began in an attempt to restore missing teeth

Researchers in Japan are to begin human trials of a drug that can restore teeth and could be available as soon as 2030. Scientists at Kyoto University Hospital are to test the drug on men who are missing at least one molar.

It has already been successfully tested on mice and ferrets and has had no negative side effects. If it works in humans, it could be available as early as 2030.

The treatment suppresses the uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1) protein, which prevents tooth regrowth. Human trials will run from September 2024 to August 2025, Popular Mechanics reports.

The trial will involve 30 men aged between 30 and 64 who are missing at least one tooth. The researchers will then extend the study to people who are missing up to five permanent teeth.

Lead researcher Katsu Takahashi, head of the department of dentistry and oral surgery at Kitano Hospital told NewAtlas: “We want to do something to help those who suffer from missing or missing teeth. Although there has been no treatment to date that provides a permanent cure, we believe that people’s expectations for growing teeth are high.”

The drug could be commercially available as early as 2030.