Small molecule block of noggin to improve spinal fusion
Official title: Small Molecule Inhibition of Noggin to Induce Spinal Fusion
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11367538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A promising approach to help spine fusion uses a tiny molecule to block noggin, allowing safer, lower doses of bone-building signals at the fusion site.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $339,326 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR078892-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals undergoing spinal fusion where bone regeneration is needed
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing spine fusion or without indications for BMP-based bone induction may see no direct benefit
What this research studies
This project aims to create a local, controllable system that uses a small molecule to inhibit noggin, a natural brake on bone growth, so BMP signals can work more efficiently at the spine fusion site. Researchers will design a hybrid scaffold that delivers the noggin inhibitor together with bone-forming signals, with a collagen base and either a mineral coating or PLGA layer for timed release. The work includes computational design, in vitro bioassays, and animal (rabbit) spine fusion studies to test local bone formation and safety. If successful, this could reduce side effects seen with current BMP therapies by enabling lower BMP doses and more precise delivery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience safer and more effective spine fusion with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal data showed increased local bone activity with noggin-related strategies, but human data are not yet available
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goh, Brian Chun Kim — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Goh, Brian Chun Kim
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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.