Use of liposomal wnt compositions to enhance osseointegration

Abstract

Methods and compositions are provided for the therapeutic use of Wnt proteins, for enhancing bone growth and regeneration, including repair following injury, osseointegration of implants, and the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the compositions are administered locally, e.g. by injection at the site of an injury. For certain conditions it is desirable to provide Wnt activity for short periods of time, and an effective dose will be administered over a defined, short period of time.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of accelerating osteogenesis in a mammal, the method comprising:
 administering to the mammal an effective dose of a wnt polypeptide comprising a lipid moiety at a site of desired osteogenesis in the mammal, wherein the wnt protein is inserted in the non-aqueous phase of a lipid structure.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the site of desired osteogenesis is the site of a bone injury. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the site of desired osteogenesis is the site of a dental or orthopedic implant. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the site is a peri-implant space. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the wnt polypeptide is administered within 5 days after introduction of the implant. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the wnt polypeptide is administered within 3 days after introduction of the implant. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the wnt polypeptide is administered within 3 days of the injury. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wnt polypeptide is administered for not more than two weeks. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wnt polypeptide is administered for not more than one week. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wnt polypeptide is administered for not more than 3 days. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the wnt polypeptide is administered by injection. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the wnt polypeptide is released from the implant. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the wnt polypeptide is implanted in a reservoir at the site of the orthopedic or dental implant. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  where the wnt polypeptide is wnt 3A. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mammal is a human. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the wnt polypeptide is human wnt 3A.