Blocking Siglec-15 to help bones heal and stay strong after spinal cord injury

The Blockade of Siglec-15 as a Novel Approach to Improve Skeletal Integrity and Fracture Healing in Chronic SCI

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JAMES J PETERS VA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11306008

A treatment that blocks Siglec-15 aims to strengthen bones and improve fracture healing for people living with chronic spinal cord injury.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJAMES J PETERS VA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BRONX, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11306008 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will test an antibody that blocks Siglec-15 to see if it prevents the rapid bone loss that follows long-term spinal cord injury and helps fractures heal. The work will use models that mimic paralysis and measure bone strength, structure, and repair over time while monitoring signs relevant to safety. Results will guide whether this approach could move toward trials in people with chronic SCI and support return to upright rehabilitation technologies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with long-standing spinal cord injury who have significant bone loss or a history/high risk of fractures, especially Veterans, would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: People without spinal cord injury, those with other primary bone diseases not driven by SCI, or individuals with acute (very recent) SCI may not benefit from this specific work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower fracture risk and improve healing, making upright rehab and exoskeleton use safer for people with chronic SCI.

How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively new approach that builds on preclinical evidence showing Siglec-15 blockade can limit bone-resorbing cell maturation, but clinical data in people are still limited.

Where this research is happening

BRONX, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.