Effects of a BMP antagonist on fracture healing in a mouse model

Introduction: Fracture healing is a complex process that is responsible for forming a fracture callus to stabilize the site of injury while producing new bone. Delayed fracture healing or the development of non-union as a result of failed fracture healing is a major clinical concern effecting ~10% of all treated fractures. Recent studies have shown that RAP-661, an antagonist of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) 2 and BMP-4 binding to its receptor BMPR-1A has shown anabolic efficacy in treating bone loss associated with osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the RAP-661 protein as a therapeutic agent to improve fracture healing. Materials and Methods: 34 C57/B6 mice received unilateral mid-shaft transverse right femur fractures. Three study groups used: Vehicle Treated Control (10 mM Tris-Buffered Saline) and RAP-661 in 10 mM TBS either where