Drug helps stem cells accelerate healing process of bone

Orthopedic researchers from Rochester, N.Y., reported that a recombinant form of parathyroid hormone stimulates stem cell production and accelerates the healing of fractured bones.

The drug teriparatide (Forteo, Eli Lilly) seems to boost stem cell production almost to the point where adults’ bones heal at a rate typically seen in children, according to baseline research presented in February at the 55th Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society.

Investigators from the University of Rochester Medical Center reported that of 145 patients who had an unhealed bone fracture — half of them for 6 months or longer — more than 90% showed significant healing and pain control after being on teriparatide for 8 to 12 weeks.

In light of these findings, the National Institutes of Health is funding a clinical trial at the University of Rochester to see if the stem cell therapy can play a major role in jumpstarting the natural healing process in bones.

The FDA approved the drug in 2002 as a treatment for osteoporosis.

“In many people, as they get older, their skeleton loses the ability to heal fractures and repair itself,” trial lead investigator J. Edward Puzas, PhD, said in a University of Rochester press release. “With careful application of teriparatide, we believe we’ve found a way to turn back the clock on fracture healing through a simple, in-body stem cell therapy.”

Puzas said the medication could have particular benefits for patients recovering from pelvic fractures, which typically take months to heal, and patients often suffer excruciating pain for the first 8 to 12 weeks.

Reference:
Bukata S, Kaback L, Reynolds D, et al. 1-34 PTH at physiologic doses in humans shows promise as a helpful adjuvant in difficult to heal fractures: An observational cohort of 145 patients. Paper #227. Presented at the 55th Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society. Feb. 22-25, 2009. Las Vegas.