Spinal fusion using an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor

Patent Number: 7041309

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors ("Statins" for the purpose of our discussion) have been known to increase endothelial stem cell mobilization, as well as possess other interesting functions such as suppressing disease in the mouse model of multiple sclerosis. In this patent, the use of statins for promoting spinal fusion is thought. Specifically, the patent claims that it is not anticipated by patents 6,080,779, 6,376,476, and 6,022,887 which cover use of patents to promote bone healing since the current patent covers non-physiological bone healing, such as in the form of spinal fusion. This is a very interesting situation for one interested in examining how patents are granted and to what extent the new invention has to be non-obvious over prior art. The patent has 3 independent claims. The first covering a method of promoting spinal fusion by applying the statin to the exposed site where fusion of vertebrae is desired. The second covers administration with a carrier into the exposed bone surface. The third claims covers a method of accelerating or enhancing "non-anatomical" bone growth between two bony surfaces.

View this patent on the USPTO website.