Improving fracture healing in older adults
Official title: RR&D Research Career Scientist Award Application
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-10897878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help older adults heal better from fractures by using a special protein, and it aims to make recovery easier and improve their overall quality of life.
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 | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6RX004809-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, who have experienced fractures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have fractures may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new therapies to enhance the healing of fractures, particularly in older adults. The team is investigating how a specific protein, Sirtuin-1, can be activated to improve healing outcomes, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. By conducting laboratory studies and translating findings into clinical applications, the researchers aim to provide better treatment options for patients suffering from fractures. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for both veterans and civilians who experience fractures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more effective healing of fractures in older adults, reducing pain and improving mobility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting Sirtuin-1 for improving healing outcomes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rlr VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kacena, Melissa a — Rlr VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kacena, Melissa a
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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.