New drug delivery system for healing bone defects in the face and jaw

Environmentally-responsive, dual-stage microparticle drug depots with healing-driven growth factor delivery for craniofacial bone regeneration

NIH-funded research University of Cincinnati · NIH-10657767

This study is testing a new way to deliver healing medicine right when it's needed to help bones heal better after facial surgeries, and it's designed for patients with birth defects or injuries to their face and jaw.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Cincinnati NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-10657767 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel injectable drug delivery system that releases healing factors specifically when needed during the bone regeneration process. By utilizing a responsive biomaterial that reacts to signals from the body, the system aims to deliver two key growth factors, BMP2 and VEGF, in a sequential manner to enhance healing in craniofacial surgeries. Patients with congenital birth defects or traumatic injuries to the face and jaw may benefit from this innovative approach, which seeks to improve the effectiveness of bone regeneration treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital craniofacial abnormalities or those who have suffered traumatic injuries to the face and jaw.

Not a fit: Patients with non-craniofacial bone issues or those who do not require surgical intervention for bone regeneration may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with craniofacial bone defects, resulting in better healing outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using localized growth factor delivery systems for bone regeneration, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.

Where this research is happening

Cincinnati, 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.