Developing joint implants that release antibiotics to prevent infections

Drug-eluting joint implants with synergistic antimicrobial release and risk stratified models of preclinical efficacy testing

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10809703

This study is working on new joint implants that can slowly release antibiotics to help prevent infections after joint surgeries, making life better for the millions of people who get these implants each year.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10809703 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating innovative joint implants that can release antibiotics locally to prevent and treat infections that occur after joint surgeries. By addressing the significant issue of peri-prosthetic joint infections, which affect over a million patients annually, the project aims to improve the effectiveness of joint implants. The approach involves designing a load-bearing implant that can control the release of antibiotics, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the need for invasive revision surgeries. The research will explore various drug interactions and incorporation methods to optimize the implant's performance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing joint arthroplasty who are at risk for peri-prosthetic joint infections.

Not a fit: Patients who have already undergone joint replacement surgeries without complications may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of infections following joint surgeries, leading to better recovery and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using antibiotic-eluting devices, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill a critical gap in current treatment options.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.