Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease that causes low bone mass, bone tissue deterioration, and bone microarchitecture disruption, leading to compromised bone strength and an increased risk of fractures. More than 200 million people have osteoporosis globally, and about 30% of women and 20% of men over 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Antiresorptive drugs, such as bisphosphonates, are widely used osteoporosis medications as they increase bone mineral density. However, they can exhibit several adverse effects and have only been shown to decrease nonvertebral fracture with limited long-term benefits.

Researchers at Rowan University are developing a novel class of hydrogels for improving the treatment of those with osteoporosis. It comprises two liquids forming a bioactive functionalized hydrogel encompassing a BMP-2 peptide that promotes bone growth. The inventors have created an advanced prototype and tested it in an animal model showing the injection of the hydrogel stimulates significantly more bone formation than a placebo control.

Competitive Advantages

• A non-systemic approach using hydrogels for the treatment of bone diseases like osteoporosis.
• Injection of the hydrogel into animals shows significant regeneration of bone.
• Potential to treat osteoporosis and many other degenerative bone diseases.

Opportunity

• The market for the treatment of osteoporosis was $4 billion in 2021.
• Rising incidence of osteoporosis is due to increasing geriatric population and unhealthy lifestyles
• The hydrogel market for tissue engineering and repair is growing from $744 million in 2018 to over $1 billion by the end of 2022.

Rowan University is seeking a partner(s) for further development and potential commercialization of this technology. The inventor is available to collaborate with interested companies.