Gene therapy applications for fracture-healing

Biologic therapies to promote fracture-healing such as use of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are being increasingly employed in multiple clinical scenarios. However, it has been challenging to design therapies that deliver sufficient quantities of protein over a sustained time period. A potential solution is the application of gene therapy that transfers genetic information to host cells at the fracture site, resulting in the continuous and localized production of the desired proteins. This approach has demonstrated tremendous potential in preclinical animal models of fracture-healing. This article will review the current state of gene therapy approaches to fracture-healing with an emphasis on potential clinical applications.