Finding ways to improve bone health after spinal cord injury.
Official title: Neurogenic bone loss after SCI: skeletal rehabilitation via Wnt and exercise interactions
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-10938035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help veterans with spinal cord injuries strengthen their bones, which can become weak after the injury, by testing a new drug and combining it with exercise and therapies to improve their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rlr VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003714-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10938035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with spinal cord injuries, particularly those who are veterans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without spinal cord injuries or those who do not have issues related to bone fragility may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop long-term solutions for bone fragility caused by spinal cord injury (SCI), particularly focusing on veterans. It addresses the issue of neurogenic osteopenia, which complicates rehabilitation efforts and currently lacks effective treatment options. The study explores innovative rehabilitative strategies that combine exercise and specific therapies to restore bone strength and structure, which is crucial for successful neurological recovery. By investigating the effects of a drug called Romosozumab, the research seeks to provide a targeted approach to combat bone loss associated with SCI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved bone health and rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using Romosozumab has shown promise in animal models, its application in humans for SCI-related bone loss is still being explored and is considered novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rlr VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robling, Alexander G — Rlr VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Robling, Alexander G
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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.