A new keratin-based enamel regeneration technology, pioneered by researchers at King’s College London (KCL), is advancing toward a commercial launch next year following a reported £3 million investment round.
Hoxton Ventures, a London-based venture capital firm known for early investments in companies like Deliveroo, is spearheading the funding for Eterna Regeneratives. The startup was established by Sherif Elsharkawy, a clinical lecturer in prosthodontics at KCL, alongside CEO and PhD candidate Khaled Eissa. Eterna Regeneratives focuses on creating regenerative biomaterials that utilize naturally occurring molecules to assist the body in tissue repair.
Current methods for addressing enamel loss primarily center on symptom management or the use of synthetic materials to replace damaged tissue. Eterna explains that its solution employs keratin to create a layer that mimics original enamel, applying it directly to the tooth surface
Sherif Elsharkawy and PhD student Sara Gamea performed lab tests on extracted teeth, discovering that the keratin-based layer formed on the surface possessed mechanical strength and hardness nearly identical to natural, healthy enamel.
Khaled Eissa said: ‘Enamel is one of the only things the human body can’t regenerate. We wanted to create a product that is readily available, scalable and has the potential to deliver long-term results.’
Commercial applications of enamel regeneration
The research has evolved into a patented technology that Eterna aims to bring to market by early 2027. According to the researchers, the technology is being adapted for use in mouthwash and professional dental care products, though further development, testing, and regulatory approval are necessary before it becomes available.
Dr Elsharkawy said: ‘Solving enamel loss, which frequently leads to even worse conditions and diseases, is a major step forward to better oral health care. It is a validation of years of research, and a step change in how quickly we can bring this technology to patients.’
Hoxton Ventures and The Venture Collective are co-leading the investment, which Sky News reported as being £3million.
Hussein Kanji, partner at Hoxton Ventures, said: ‘(This) technology has the potential to transform oral care from managing enamel loss to actually repairing it, while opening the door to broader applications in tissue and bone regeneration.’
