Injectable scaffolds that release metformin to help regenerate craniofacial bone
Official title: Novel tunable metformin-releasing injectable scaffolds to enhance dental pulp stem cell-based craniofacial bone regeneration
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11158667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help heal big bone injuries in the face by using special injections that release metformin, a diabetes medication, to encourage the growth of healing cells in the area.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $351,488 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032692-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with significant craniofacial bone defects who may benefit from enhanced bone regeneration techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-craniofacial bone issues or those who do not have significant bone defects may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative injectable scaffolds that release metformin, a medication commonly used to treat diabetes, to promote the healing of significant craniofacial bone defects. By utilizing metformin's ability to stimulate the growth and differentiation of stem cells, particularly those derived from dental pulp and bone marrow, the study aims to enhance bone regeneration in patients with critical-sized defects. The scaffolds are designed to deliver metformin locally, ensuring that it effectively reaches the target cells involved in bone healing. This approach combines advanced biomaterials with cellular biology to potentially improve outcomes in bone repair.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with craniofacial bone defects, enhancing their healing process and overall recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using metformin for bone regeneration, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier successes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schneider, Abraham — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Schneider, Abraham
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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.