Using engineered ovarian tissue to help treat osteoporosis in women
Official title: Sustained regulation of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary hormones with tissue-engineered ovarian constructs as a treatment for osteoporosis in females
Funded at Miami University Oxford · NIH-11076819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help women after menopause by using specially created ovarian tissues to balance hormones that support bone health, which could lower the chances of osteoporosis and fractures, offering a safer option than traditional hormone treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami University Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $490,107 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081340-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women or those with conditions leading to ovarian hormone deficiency who are at risk for osteoporosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are premenopausal or have osteoporosis due to non-hormonal causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of tissue-engineered ovarian constructs to regulate hormones that are crucial for bone health in women, particularly after menopause. By mimicking the natural function of ovaries, the study aims to restore hormonal balance and potentially reduce the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures. The approach involves creating bioengineered tissues that can sustain hormone production, offering a novel alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapies that carry significant risks. Patients may be monitored for changes in bone density and overall health as part of the treatment process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for osteoporosis in women, reducing the risk of fractures and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While hormone therapy has been widely studied, the use of tissue-engineered ovarian constructs represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami University Oxford
Oxford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saul, Justin — Miami University Oxford
- Study coordinator: Saul, Justin
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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.