Claudia Del Toro Runzer

All Publications

• Biologics for bone regeneration: advances in cell, protein, gene, and mRNA therapies BONE RESEARCH Runzer, C., Balmayor, E. R., van Griensven, M. 2026; 14 (1): 5

  Abstract

  Bone fractures represent a significant global healthcare burden. Although fractures typically heal on their own, some fail to regenerate properly, leading to nonunion, a condition that causes prolonged disability, morbidity, and mortality. The challenge of treating nonunion fractures is further complicated in patients with underlying bone disorders where systemic and local factors impair bone healing. Traditional treatment approaches, including autografts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetic biomaterials, face limitations such as donor site pain, immune rejection, and insufficient mechanical strength, underscoring the need for alternative strategies. Biologic therapies have emerged as promising tools to enhance bone regeneration by leveraging the body's natural healing processes. This review explores the critical role of conventional and emerging biologics in fracture healing. We categorize biologic therapies into protein-based treatments, gene and transcript therapies, small molecules, peptides, and cell-based therapies, highlighting their mechanisms of action, advantages, and clinical relevance. Finally, we examine the potential applications of biologics in treating fractures associated with bone disorders such as osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, rickets, osteomalacia, Paget's disease, and bone tumors. By integrating biologic therapies with existing biomaterial-based strategies, these innovative approaches have the potential to transform clinical management and improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-heal fractures.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41413-025-00487-0

  View details for Web of Science ID 001658614100003

  View details for PubMedID 41521187

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC12791149