Self-Assembling Nano-Globular Peptide From Human Lactoferrin Acts As A Systemic Enhancer Of Bone Regeneration: A Novel Peptide For Orthopedic Application

A technology for systemic and repeated administration of osteogenic factors for orthopedic use is an unmet medical need. Lactoferrin (similar to 80 kDa), present in milk, is known to support bone growth. We discovered a lactoferrin-mimetic peptide, LP2 (an 18-residue fragment from the N-terminus of the N-lobe of human lactoferrin), which self-assembles into a nano-globular assembly with a beta-sheet structure in an aqueous environment. LP2 is non-hemolytic and non-cytotoxic against human red blood cells and 3T3 fibroblasts, respectively, and appreciably stable in the human serum. LP2 through the bone morphogenetic protein-dependent mechanism stimulates osteoblast differentiation more potently than the full-length protein as well as the osteoblastic production of osteoprotegerin (an anti-osteoclastogenic factor). Consequently, daily subcutaneous administration of LP2 to rats and rabbits with osteotomy resulted in faster bone healing and stimulated bone formation in rats with a low bone mass more potently than that with teriparatide, the standard-of-care osteogenic peptide for osteoporosis. LP2 has skeletal bioavailability and is safe at the 15x osteogenic dose. Thus, LP2 is a novel peptide that can be administered systemically for the medical management of hard-to-heal fractures.