Injectable Hydrogel Shows Promise in Rapidly Increasing Bone Density

Researchers at EPFL and Flowbone have developed a nanoparticle-based hydrogel that could enhance osteoporosis treatment by significantly boosting localized bone density within weeks.

• The injectable hydrogel, made from hyaluronic acid and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, mimics natural bone minerals to promote rapid bone densification.
• In laboratory tests on rats, the hydrogel alone increased local bone density by two- to three-fold, with results seen in just 2-4 weeks.
• Combining the hydrogel with systemic osteoporosis drugs, such as Zoledronate, led to a 4.8-fold increase in bone density at injection sites.
• Current osteoporosis treatments often take up to a year to show results, leaving patients vulnerable to fractures; this hydrogel aims to address that gap by providing faster localized effects.
• The research team is awaiting regulatory approval to begin human trials, with hopes of demonstrating the hydrogel’s potential to prevent fractures and support implants in weakened bones.

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