Using zinc to improve bone healing after fractures
Official title: Therapeutic potential of systemic and localized zinc delivery for modulating fracture repair
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10648863 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how zinc might help bones heal better after a fracture, especially when there's pressure on the bone, and it's being tested in rats to find ways that could eventually help people recover faster from bone injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $162,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AR082449-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10648863 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced bone fractures and may benefit from enhanced healing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fracture related bone conditions or those who do not require bone healing interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how zinc can enhance the healing process of bone fractures. It aims to understand the relationship between mechanical loading and zinc delivery in promoting bone regeneration. By using a rat model, the study will explore how different methods of zinc administration can affect the healing of fractures under mechanical stress. The goal is to establish a foundation for future therapies that could improve recovery from bone injuries in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve the healing of bone fractures, reducing complications and recovery times for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using zinc for bone healing, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hast, Michael William — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hast, Michael William
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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.