rhPDGF-BB: Possible Treatment for Osteonecrosis of the Jaw?

GEM21SDoes anyone have any thoughts on the possibility of using the protein therapeutic, recombinant human platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB), as a treatment for Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)?

Recently, BioMimetic Therapeutics announced that the FDA has given the company orphan drug designation to pursue this indication for rhPDGF.

BioMimetic comments:

“ONJ lesions are often severely painful and debilitating open sores in the mouth for which there are currently no proven therapeutic treatments,” said Dr. Samuel Lynch, president and CEO of BioMimetic Therapeutics. “Based on the ability of rhPDGF-BB to stimulate bone and tissue healing, we believe that rhPDGF-BB has the potential to help these patients. Thus, ONJ represents another potential to leverage our platform rhPDGF technology and be assured of market exclusivity in this indication.”

Interestingly, BioMimetic Therapeutics is already marketing recombinant human platelet derived growth factor, under the trade name GEM 21S, as a grafting material for periodontal regeneration.

According to the company:

“Extensive in vitro and animal studies have shown that following release at the wound site, rhPDGF-BB stimlulates chemotaxis (recruitment of cells), mitogenesis (the proliferation of cells) and matrix formation (new tissue formation).”

Does anyone have any experience with GEM 21S for periodontal regeneration? Do you think it will be prove beneficial for ONJ lesions, as well?

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Comments

3 Responses to “rhPDGF-BB: Possible Treatment for Osteonecrosis of the Jaw?”

  1. Rand on June 13th, 2007 9:46 pm

    I have used it in periodontal defects with very positive results. I have also used it recently during and extraction and immediate placement of a dental implant in a lower molar of a patient on fosamax . The results were very positive.

  2. Peter van der Ven on June 13th, 2007 10:00 pm

    Anecdotes are nice, but sound, ethical practice needs to be based on solid research. With the risks as high as they are in the case of bisphosphonate-induced jaw osteonecrosis, one should be careful in applying any new methodology, no matter how promising or attractive.

  3. Rand on June 20th, 2007 11:16 pm

    One of the hallmarks of osteonecrosis is the inability of the tissue to develop blood vessels to supply the tissues. Growth factors in PRP or in or as listed in the product of discussion are a logical and ethical addition to consider for compromised patients.

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