BBP as a Complexed Carrier for Bone Growth Factors
SUMMARY
UCLA researchers have identified a BMP binding peptide that binds to bone growth factors to increase their residence time at the site of implantation for treatment of bone defects.
BACKGROUND
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of growth factors that are able to induce the formation of bone and cartilage. Delivery of recombinant BMPs using a carrier substance heals bone defects in many animals, and FDA approval was granted for the clinical use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to enhance anterior cervical spinal fusion. Although BMPs are potent osteoinductive agents, large amounts of BMPs are required to produce an adequate biologic response in humans. Thus, BMPs in clinical use are quite expensive. Furthermore, large amounts of BMPs may cause local adverse effects, such as soft tissue inflammatory reactions. These factors limit the clinical utility of BMPs.
INNOVATION
UCLA researchers have identified a cyclic peptide termed BMP binding peptide (BBP). BBP binds to bone growth factors, specifically BMP-2, and enhances the activity of the growth factor by increasing its residence time at the site of implantation.
APPLICATIONS
BBP will be attached to the carrier substance such as collagen or other inert material. The resulting carrier with BBP attached can be implanted at the surgical site along with the additional growth factor.
Such carriers can be placed on an area of exposed tissue as in spinal fusion; on an open fracture; in an area of skeletal defect; in an area of dental defect; and could be used in association with prosthetic devices including rods, screws, cage devices, dental implants, artificial joints, and other surgical appliances.
Such carriers can also be used in association with undifferentiated cells including stem cells from bone marrow, umbilical cords, or osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and peripheral blood cells.
ADVANTAGES
Growth factors are more rapidly dispersed from collagen sponge and other materials that are not engineered to retain and slowly release them. Thus, the needed dosage of the growth factors will be decreased which will minimize side effects and decrease treatment cost.
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT
BBP has been developed and tested. Studies are underway to identify modifications that will allow BBP to strongly complex with collagen or other carrier inert material. The complexed carriers are in the conceptual phase.
RELATED MATERIALS
Behnam, K., Phillips, M. L., Silva, J. D., Brochmann, E. J., Duarte, M. E., and Murray, S. S. BMP binding peptide: A BMP-2 enhancing factor deduced from the sequence of native bovine bone morphogenetic protein/non-collagenous protein, Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2005.