Using existing bone medications to help with back pain caused by disc wear and tear
Repurpose bone therapeutics for intervertebral disc degeneration in aged mice
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11124825
This project looks at whether current bone medications can help reduce back pain and disc problems in older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11124825 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many older adults experience low back pain due to wear and tear on the discs between their spinal bones. This wear and tear can lead to a loss of disc height and hydration, and pain can make the problem worse by limiting movement. We are exploring if medications already used for bone health could be repurposed to protect these spinal discs. The goal is to find new ways to prevent or reduce disc degeneration and the associated back pain in the aging population. This work focuses on understanding how these medications might work at a cellular level to improve disc health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to older adults experiencing low back pain linked to intervertebral disc degeneration.
Not a fit: Patients whose back pain is not related to intervertebral disc degeneration or aging may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment options for low back pain caused by disc degeneration, potentially improving quality of life for many older individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Repurposing existing drugs for new conditions is a common strategy in medicine, and some bone-related therapies have shown promise in other areas, though this specific application to disc degeneration is being explored.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HOLGUIN, NILSSON — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: HOLGUIN, NILSSON
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 below.