Keeping bones strong and helping fractures heal in aging Veterans
BCCMA: Foundational Research to Act Upon and Resist Conditions Unfavorable to Bone (FRACTURE CURB): A stitch in time saves nine!
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION · NIH-11212823
Researchers are working on ways to strengthen bone and speed fracture healing for aging Veterans by improving how parathyroid hormone helps bones grow.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11212823 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This collaboration brings VA scientists together to find new ways to prevent osteoporosis and promote faster bone repair after fractures. The team uses preclinical disease models that mimic conditions that weaken bone or delay healing and tests strategies to boost the bone-building effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Much of the work is done in the lab and in animal models, with the goal of identifying treatments that avoid some side effects of current bone-loss drugs. The ultimate aim is earlier detection and better therapies so aging Veterans stay active and have fewer fracture-related problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The work is most relevant to older Veterans with osteoporosis or recent fragility fractures, especially those receiving care through VA medical centers.
Not a fit: People without bone-weakening conditions, younger adults, or those with unrelated health issues are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help older Veterans keep stronger bones and heal fractures faster, reducing pain and long-term disability.
How similar studies have performed: PTH-based therapies (for example, teriparatide) have previously increased bone density and aided healing in some settings, and this project seeks to expand or improve on those approaches for conditions common in Veterans.
Where this research is happening
Decatur, UNITED STATES
- VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION — Decatur, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WEITZMANN, MERVYN NEALE — VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
- Study coordinator: WEITZMANN, MERVYN NEALE
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 below.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus