Acceleration of fracture healing in nonhuman primates by fibroblast growthfactor-A

One of the greatest needs in the clinical bone field is a bioactive agent t o stimulate bone formation. We previously reported that fibroblast growth f actor-2 (FGF-2) exhibited strong anabolic actions on bone formation in mode ls of rodents and dogs. Aiming at a clinical application, this study was un dertaken to clarify the effect of a single local application of recombinant human FGF-S on fracture healing in nonhuman primates. After a fracture was created at the midshaft of the right ulna of animals and stabilized with a n intramedullary nail, gelatin hydrogel alone (n = 10) or gelatin hydrogel containing 200 mug FGF-2 (n = 10) was injected into the fracture site. Alth ough 4 of 10 animals treated with the vehicle alone remained in a nonunion state even after 10 weeks, bone union was complete at 6 weeks in all 10 ani mals treated with FGF-2. Significant differences in bone mineral content an d density at the fracture site between the vehicle and FGF-S groups were se en at 6 weeks and thereafter. FGF-S also in creased the mechanical property of the fracture site. We conclude that FGF-2 accelerates fracture healing and prevents nonunion in primates, and therefore propose that it is a poten t bone anabolic agent for clinical use.