Posted on 09/12/2025 9:45:46 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Researchers found evidence that a drug that improves the ability to walk in people with multiple sclerosis can also make bone fractures heal faster.
"Broken bones are typically slow to heal in many people, and they can impact lives for months and in different ways," said John Elfar, MD. "This drug has the potential to change that."
Elfar showed treatment with the drug 4-aminopyridine, or 4-AP, resulted in leg fractures healing faster and stronger than without the drug.
The drug is approved for use in chronic neurological conditions, where it helps with walking by improving how signals from the brain and spinal cord reach limbs.
"We found that every fine-tuned measure of the strength of bone was better after administering 4-AP to mice," Elfar said.
Examining human bone cells exposed to 4-AP in a dish, the scientists saw increased production of bone morphogenetic protein, or BMP2, a bone-building substance used clinically to help with some kinds of bone repair. BMP2 prompted the production of stem cells that become cells called osteoblasts, which are essential to form new bone.
4-AP increased the conversion of the stem cells into osteoblasts and the latter's ability to migrate and grow, which are essential to the healing process.
Elfar said that 4-AP's role in driving BMP2 gene and protein activity is key to its bone healing effects.
"BMP2 is a hormone the body makes to accelerate bone healing," Elfar said.
BMP2 is known to modulate bone healing and is approved for use in certain medical procedures, including spinal fusion and sinus reconstruction surgery.
The scientists previously showed that 4-AP could prevent bone and muscle loss in a mouse model of nerve damage. Similarly, they saw indications of 4-AP's healing effects for wound, nerve and limb injuries.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
It seems to be under $50 a prescription, using a common free benefit code.
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