Understanding and treating jaw bone damage related to certain medications
Official title: Osteomucosal healing and immunity in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10870267 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain medications can lead to a serious jaw condition called MRONJ, and it's for people who have been using these medications for a long time; the researchers want to understand the immune system's role in this issue and find new treatments to help prevent or lessen the problem.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2023 |
| Project end | July 18, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE033281-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870267 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been prescribed bisphosphonates or denosumab for osteoporosis or bone malignancies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not used anti-resorptive medications or those without a diagnosis related to jaw bone health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a serious condition that can occur after long-term use of medications like bisphosphonates. The study aims to uncover the underlying immune mechanisms that contribute to MRONJ and explore targeted immunotherapies that could prevent or mitigate this condition. By using advanced mouse models, the researchers will analyze how specific immune responses are altered in patients with MRONJ. The ultimate goal is to develop effective treatments that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or reduce the severity of jaw bone damage in patients taking certain medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding immune mechanisms can lead to breakthroughs in treating similar conditions, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Reuben Han-Kyu — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kim, Reuben Han-Kyu
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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.