Regenerative bone adhesive to speed healing of broken arms and legs in older adults
Official title: Commercialization of an Improved Treatment of Extremity Fractures Using a Regenerative Bone Adhesive to Accelerate Bone Healing in Aging Patients
Funded at Revbio, INC. · NIH-11178748 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A regenerative bone glue designed to secure bone fragments and help fractures in the arms or legs heal faster in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Revbio, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lowell, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $413,833 |
| NIH project number | 5SB1AG085803-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11178748 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults with fragility fractures of the upper or lower extremities who are undergoing or expected to undergo plate-and-screw fixation are the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without extremity fractures, those treated non-surgically, patients with active bone infection, or those allergic to adhesive components would not be expected to benefit.
What this research studies
You would be hearing about an injectable bone adhesive called Tetranite that a company is preparing for clinical use to help hold broken bone pieces together. The adhesive can fill gaps, share load with plates and screws, and is designed to encourage bone to grow into it based on lab and animal evidence. As a patient, it could be used during standard fracture surgery to add stability and lower the chance of hardware failure or repeat operations. This project focuses on commercial development, manufacturing, and the steps needed to make the adhesive available for future patient studies and clinical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this adhesive could speed bone healing, reduce hardware failure, and lower the need for revision surgery after extremity fractures in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Early laboratory and animal studies of Tetranite and other bone adhesives show promise for improving fixation and healing, but large human trials are still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Revbio, INC.
Lowell, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hess, Brian — Revbio, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hess, Brian
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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.