Creating 3D printed bone grafts to help heal difficult fractures
Official title: Development of 3D Printed Synthetic Bone Graft Containing Small Molecules for Sequential Activation of Hedgehog and Hypoxia Signaling for Treatment of Nonunion Fractures
Funded at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System · NIH-10911075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new 3D printed bone graft that uses special tiny molecules to help heal stubborn fractures that won't heal on their own, aiming to give patients with tough bone injuries a better chance at recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Loma Linda Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005263-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced nonunion fractures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fractures that are healing normally or those with other unrelated bone conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of 3D printed synthetic bone graft that incorporates small molecules to enhance the healing of nonunion fractures, which are fractures that fail to heal properly. The approach involves using a combination of two small molecules, SAG 21k and IOX2, that activate specific biological pathways to promote bone healing. By delivering these molecules locally at the fracture site using a specially designed scaffold, the researchers aim to improve the mechanical strength of the graft while minimizing side effects. This innovative method could provide a new solution for patients suffering from challenging bone injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve healing outcomes for patients with nonunion fractures, reducing pain and the need for additional surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of 3D printing and these small molecules is novel, similar approaches using growth factors and scaffolds have shown promise in promoting bone healing.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohan, Subburaman — VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Mohan, Subburaman
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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.