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SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Calcium Phosphate Injectable Cements for Treatment of Osteoporosis

Award Information
Agency: National Science Foundation
Branch: N/A
Contract: 0611039
Agency Tracking Number: 0611039
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: BT
Solicitation Number: NSF 05-605
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
150A New Boston Street
Woburn, MA 01801
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Juchui Lin
 Dr
 (781) 933-6121
 jrlin@angstrommedica.com
Business Contact
 Edward Ahn
Title: Mr
Phone: (781) 933-6121
Email: eahn@angstrommedica.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop an injectable orthopedic cement made from oligomers containing cross-linkable functional groups and a reinforcing phase of calcium phosphate nanocrystals that can be injected into low strength bone to provide mechanical strength and bioactivity. This system will have excellent handling properties, remain localized at the injection site, and rapidly harden at body temperature without chemical initiators and with a minimal heat generation, unlike current bone cements. The research will investigate the chemistry of these novel oligomer systems and the effect of calcium phosphate nanocrystal morphology, surface chemistry, and loading by examining properties such as cure time, cure temperature, heat of reaction, rheological behavior, chemical structure, strength and in vitro bioactivity. Commercially, the application provides an alternative surgical cement to what is in current use (in situ polymerization of methylmethacrylate) for total joint replacement. While current methods have been used safely, as the need for a surgical has spread to more sensitive tissues, such as the spine, and new procedures are developed, numerous safety and efficacy issues need to be addressed. About 700,000 vertebral fractures occur annually; patients not responsive to conservative treatment are potential candidates for minimally invasive procedures that use current bone cements off-label to treat vertebral compression fractures. However, leakage of liquid from low viscosity bone cements can result in soft tissue damage as well as nerve root pain and compression. Other reported complications, generally associated with the use of bone cements in the spine, include pulmonary embolism, respiratory and cardiac failure, abdominal intrusions/ileus, and death. The proposed project will alleviate many of these issues and open new methods and mechanisms for the treatment of osteoporosis.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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