| abstract |
A method for stimulating bone formation in an animal includes the step of administering to the animal an effective amount of a conjugate of a growth factor and a hydrophilic polymer. Also, a composition for treating osteopenic bone disease includes a conjugate of a growth factor and a hydrophilic polymer. Preferred conjugates include, for example, a TGF-β as the growth factor, and a polyethylene glycol as the hydrophilic polymer. Hydrophilic polymer-conjugated growth factors according to the invention can stimulate bone formation at lower dose levels at which the growth factor, unmodified, is ineffective; and hydrophilic polymer-conjugated growth factors according to the invention promote a net increase in bone formation at higher dose levels at which the growth factor, unmodified, causes a net reduction in bone mass, owing to stimulation by the growth factor of bone resorption together with bone formation. An inhibitor of bone resorption is optionally added to decrease bone resorption and thus enhance bone formation. |