A new gene therapy to help bones heal better
Official title: A novel, clinically expedient, AAV-based gene therapy for bone healing
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11019112 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gene therapy that uses a special protein to help bones heal better and faster, which could lead to a more effective and affordable treatment for people with bone injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $454,050 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR085016-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019112 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with critical size bone defects or those requiring enhanced bone healing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-critical bone injuries or those who do not require surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a gene therapy that enhances bone healing by utilizing a modified version of a protein known as BMP-2. The therapy aims to overcome limitations of current treatments by using an adenovirus vector to deliver BMP-2 more effectively, while also addressing the inflammatory responses that can hinder healing. The approach involves testing this therapy in a validated animal model to ensure its efficacy and safety before considering human applications. Patients may benefit from a more effective and less expensive treatment for bone healing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a more effective and affordable treatment option for bone healing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar gene therapy approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Christopher Howard — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Evans, Christopher Howard
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.