Can bone morphogenetic protein binding peptide increase efficiency of bone formation?
METHODS
The role of bone morphogenetic protein binding peptide (BBP) in bone formation is reviewed from basic science studies and potential clinical application.


OBJECTIVE
We review the discovery and early scientific studies of BBP with emphasis on potential future clinical applications.


BACKGROUND
Biologics delivered locally to enhance bone formation are of increasing importance, particularly in spinal fusion. The most useful agents currently available are bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). The indications for recombinant human BMP are expanding; however, certain disadvantages including high costs, unwanted ectopic bone formation, and local inflammatory reaction are becoming more prevalent. As a result, alternate strategies are being developed to provide safer, less expensive, and more efficacious adjuvant agents.


METHODS
This study reviews the existing published data and early experimental results, and explores potential clinical applications of BBP.


RESULTS
BBP is a specific binding protein for BMP with an intermediate affinity, which makes it an ideal "slow release" agent.


CONCLUSIONS
BBP may reduce the time to fusion and more thoroughly control the distribution of bone healing in spinal fusion. Further study is ongoing to explore clinical applications.
McGovern
Scott C
SC
UCLA Spine Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA.
Fong
Winston
W
Wang
Jeffrey C
JC
D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*
D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins