Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for treating diseases or disorders associated with bone fracture and critical-sized bone defect. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides isolated nucleic acids and expression constructs (e.g., rAAVs, etc.) that encode one or both of the inhibitory nucleic acids targeting Schnurri 3 (SHN3) and the inhibitory nucleic acids targeting sclerostin (SOST).

The present invention provides a method of promoting local bone growth by administering a therapeutic amount of a Sost antagonist to a mammalian patient in need thereof. Preferably, the Sost antagonist is an antibody or FAB fragment selectively recognizing any one of SEQ ID NOS:1-23. The Sost antagonist may becoadministered together or sequentially with a matrix conducive to anchoring new bone growth. Orthopedic and Periodontal devices comprising an implantable portion adapted to be permanently implanted within a mammalian body and bearing an external coating of a Sost antagonist are also disclosed, as it a method ofincreasing bone density by administering to a mammalian patient a therapeutic amount of a Sost antagonist together with an antiresorptive drug.

A sprayable polymeric scaffold composition for localized anti-inflammatory therapy is disclosed. The composition comprises lipid nanorods encapsulating inflammasome inhibitors, a thermogelling agent, and a thickening agent. The lipid nanorods, which can be formed using pyridoxine dipalmitate and DSPE-PEG (2000) carboxylic acid, inhibit NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes, reducing inflammation. The thermogelling agent, such as poloxamer 407, enables the composition to transition from a fluid sol state at room temperature to a semi-solid gel state at body temperature, forming a localized gel film upon topical application. The thickening agent, such as mucin, enhances viscosity and provides additional anti-inflammatory effects. The composition delivers sustained release of encapsulated inhibitors, effectively reducing inflammatory markers and symptoms in conditions such as psoriasis. The sprayable scaffold offers a novel, localized treatment platform with improved skin penetration, ease of administration, and reduced systemic side effects.

Provided are drug-device combinations and methods used for direct delivery of therapeutic drugs to the pituitary gland, wherein the drug-device combination also acts as a barrier between a sella turcica (pituitary fossa) and a sphenoid sinus to effectively trap or confine the drug substance within the sella turcica to prevent its premature escape away into the CSF from the target pituitary; thereby reducing or eliminating systemic toxicity of the drug substance. The drug-device combination includes a cap, a stem, a drug that is therapeutically effective for a pituitary gland disorder.

A tubular nonwoven structure as an active agent carrier (sleeve) for the atraumatic treatment of hollow organs, in particular applicable via a balloon catheter, as well as a method for the production thereof, wherein the sleeve is folded about a longitudinal sleeve axis in an initial state and is unfoldable in a final state for attachment to an inner wall of a hollow organ, the tubular sleeve is formed of first biodegradable polymer nanofibers and the folding of the sleeve is directed as pleating about a longitudinal sleeve axis, a medicinal active agent is incorporated into the first polymer nanofibers and/or is arranged in interspaces between the polymer nanofibers, and the first polymer fibers are formed such that the polymer fibers degrade over a period of 2 weeks to 3 months so that the active agent can be delivered to a hollow organ wall in this period of time.