Harnessing Wnt signals to strengthen bones in veterans
Official title: Harnessing the anabolic potential of Wnt signaling to improve bone health
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-11300116 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A proposed program aims to make a powerful bone-building drug safer and more effective for veterans who are at high risk of fractures.
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 | April 1, 2026 |
| Project end | September 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 2I01RD001457-14A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11300116 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older who are veterans and are candidates for anabolic therapy for osteoporosis or fracture prevention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without osteoporosis or without cardiovascular risk considerations may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project looks at improving a bone-building therapy by boosting its effects on the skeleton while reducing cardiovascular risks, specifically in veterans. It builds on romosozumab, a potent anabolic drug, but seeks ways to use lower doses with fewer heart-related side effects. The approach combines targeted strategies to enhance bone response and minimize cardiovascular concerns, with a focus on translating findings into safer options for patients. The VA setting is emphasized, recognizing the higher burden of musculoskeletal and heart-related conditions in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could enable safer, more effective bone-building treatment options for veterans at risk of fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed that adjusting dose and targeting can reduce side effects in bone-building therapies, but translating this to safer, more potent skeletal effects is still being explored.
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
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.