Japan’s tooth regrowth drug: where the human trials are now
A Japanese antibody medicine designed to switch dormant tooth buds back on has finished its first human safety trial. Here is what it is, who it is for, and what it means if you are missing teeth now.
What is the drug?
The medicine is called TRG035. It is being developed by Toregem BioPharma, a spin-out linked to Kyoto University. It is an antibody that blocks a protein called USAG-1, which normally holds back tooth development. With USAG-1 blocked, the idea is that dormant tooth buds that never developed can be encouraged to grow.
What has happened in human trials so far?
- Phase I (safety): run at Kyoto University Hospital from late 2024. It involved 30 healthy men aged 30–64, each missing at least one molar, in a randomised, placebo-controlled study of increasing doses. Its purpose was to check safety, not to regrow teeth, and the company reports that safety was confirmed. Detailed results have not been published.
- Phase IIa (early effectiveness): planned in 24 children with severe congenital tooth agenesis (born without several teeth). In August 2026 it was reported to be awaiting ethics approval before recruitment starts.
Who is it aimed at?
The first target is people born without teeth — around 1% of people are missing some teeth from birth, and a much smaller number are missing many. That is a very different situation from losing an adult tooth to decay, gum disease or an accident. Whether the drug could ever help with those more common kinds of tooth loss has not been tested.
When might it be available?
Researchers have mentioned around 2030 as a possible date for approval in Japan. That is a hope rather than a schedule: most medicines that enter trials never reach patients, and approval in the UK would be a separate process.
Missing a tooth now?
If you are missing a tooth today, there is no reason to wait for a treatment that may be years away — or may never apply to your situation. Gaps can lead to neighbouring teeth drifting and bone shrinking, so it is worth getting advice early.
The proven options are dental implants, bridges and dentures. At a consultation in Great Barr we'll look at your teeth and bone, explain what suits you and give you prices up front. You can see typical costs on our price list.
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Frequently asked questions
Can the tooth regrowth drug replace a tooth I have lost?
Not yet. The first trials are focused on people born without some of their teeth (congenital tooth agenesis). Benefit for teeth lost to decay, gum disease or injury has not been shown.
When will it be available in the UK?
There is no approval date. Researchers have talked about around 2030, but that is a projection, not a promise, and UK availability would need its own regulatory approval.
What are my options for a missing tooth today?
Dental implants, bridges and dentures all replace missing teeth now. We explain the pros, cons and prices of each at a consultation — see replacing missing teeth.
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On Christmas day I broke my front tooth,searched around for a good dentist to give me two implant which I desperately needed. Went to this dentist and they were the only people with with CT scanner. Had my consultation here and scan and then went ahead with the implants.they seemed most professional and I can only say the job that is done is absolutely excellent 👌 and I will be using Dr Rikki Dhody and his team again. 💯 percent recommend them.
I've had several treatments at The Dentist, Implants, Veneers, Emergency Centre, including wisdom tooth extraction, crowns, and fillings, and I couldn't be more pleased with the care I've received. The team is professional, caring, and ensures every visit is as comfortable as possible. The dentist took great care to make sure I …
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I've had several treatments at The Dentist, Implants, Veneers, Emergency Centre, including wisdom tooth extraction, crowns, and fillings, and I couldn't be more pleased with the care I've received. The team is professional, caring, and ensures every visit is as comfortable as possible. The dentist took great care to make sure I felt at ease during each procedure, and the results have always been excellent. Whether it's routine dental work or something more complex, I highly recommend trying this place. They truly go above and beyond to provide exceptional service
I went to this dentist to have a consultation to see if they could finish off the work on my teeth which was done by an another dental clinic which went into liquidation after fitting my implants.
I found Rikki and Ana very courteous and knowledgeable about the work I needed doing. It was explained to me the positives and negati…Read full review
I went to this dentist to have a consultation to see if they could finish off the work on my teeth which was done by an another dental clinic which went into liquidation after fitting my implants.
I found Rikki and Ana very courteous and knowledgeable about the work I needed doing. It was explained to me the positives and negatives about the different treatments on offer. I chose to have a full arch of teeth on my upper and a few teeth on the bottom. Although the implant surgery was done others , Rikki put my mind at rest and I gave them permission to go ahead.
The whole process was explained at each stage and the treatment went perfectly. I have now achieved my perfect smile and I am over the moon with the result. I thank Rikki ,Ana, and all the staff who are extremely polite and friendly and I would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in having similar work.
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