Japanese Scientists Begin First Human Trials to Regrow Adult Teeth

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Japanese scientists have begun the world's first human trials of TRG-035, a drug designed to regenerate adult teeth by targeting the USAG-1 protein that suppresses dormant tooth buds. The 30 participants, healthy men aged 30-64 who are missing at least one tooth, are receiving single IV doses to establish safety protocols before broader applications. The researchers aim for commercial availability by 2030, starting with children born missing teeth before expanding to adult tooth loss as an alternative to dentures and implants.

Why it matters

This breakthrough represents a potential paradigm shift in dental care, moving beyond the current limitations of dentures and implants by allowing the natural regrowth of teeth. If successful, it could disrupt the $4.6 billion dental implant industry and reshape expectations around tooth loss and replacement.

The details

TRG-035 works as a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the USAG-1 protein, which has been suppressing the development of your dormant third set of teeth since childhood. Animal studies in mice and ferrets showed complete tooth formation with natural integration, without the need for surgical implantation. The current Phase I trials are focused on establishing safety protocols, with future phases targeting children born missing teeth and then expanding to adult tooth loss.

• The first human trials of TRG-035 began in late 2024 at Kyoto University Hospital.
• The researchers aim for commercial availability of the drug by 2030.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Future phases of the trials will focus on children aged 2-7 with congenital anodontia or oligodontia, conditions where kids are born missing teeth. This represents the most urgent medical need and clearest regulatory path. Adult tooth replacement will come later, potentially offering an alternative to dentures and implants.