Using a special hydrogel to treat osteonecrosis
Official title: ABC Hydrogel for the treatment of osteonecrosis
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11130898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gel treatment for people with osteonecrosis, a painful bone condition, to see if it can help improve blood flow and deliver medicine right where it's needed to help heal the bone and prevent further problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $312,871 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR084498-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130898 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with osteonecrosis, particularly those experiencing significant symptoms and at risk of disease progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with osteonecrosis who have already undergone extensive surgical interventions or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new hydrogel treatment for osteonecrosis, a serious bone disease that can lead to severe pain and disability. The hydrogel, made from gelatin and hyaluronic acid, is designed to improve blood flow and deliver medications directly to the affected bone areas. By injecting this hydrogel into the necrotic bone, the researchers aim to enhance healing and prevent further bone collapse. This approach seeks to address the limitations of current treatments, which often fail to provide adequate relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with osteonecrosis, potentially reducing the need for joint replacement surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using hydrogels for bone repair, indicating that this approach could be a viable option for treating osteonecrosis.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Chi — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ma, Chi
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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.