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.