Improving bone healing in patients with inflammation-related fractures

Targeting angiogenesis for fracture nonunion treatment under inflammatory diseases

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10654723

This study is looking at how long-lasting inflammation can make it harder for broken bones to heal properly, and it’s testing a special protein to see if it can help improve healing by boosting blood flow right at the fracture site for people dealing with inflammatory conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10654723 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how chronic inflammation affects the healing of bone fractures that do not heal properly, known as nonunions. It focuses on the role of a specific protein, Dnmt3b, which is involved in blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) during the healing process. By delivering certain proteins directly to the fracture site, the study aims to restore blood flow and promote healing in patients suffering from inflammatory conditions. The research includes laboratory studies and may involve clinical trials to test the effectiveness of this approach in real patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and individuals with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or those who smoke.

Not a fit: Patients with fractures that are healing normally or those without any inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve healing outcomes for patients with difficult-to-heal fractures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting angiogenesis for improving fracture healing, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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.