Activin A/BMP2 Chimera (AB204) Exhibits Better Spinal Bone Fusion Properties than rhBMP2

Objective : To compare the spinal bone fusion properties of activin A/BMP2 chimera (AB204) with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP2) using a rat posterolateral spinal fusion model. Methods : The study was designed to compare the effects and property at different dosages of AB204 and rhBMP2 on spinal bone fusion. Sixty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion using one of nine treatments during the study, that is, sham; osteon only; $3.0{\mu}g$, $6.0{\mu}g$, or $10.0{\mu}g$ of rhBMP2 with osteon; and $1.0{\mu}g$, $3.0{\mu}g$, $6.0{\mu}g$, or $10.0{\mu}g$ of AB204 with osteon. The effects and property on spinal bone fusion was calculated at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment using the scores of physical palpation, simple radiograph, micro-computed tomography, and immunohistochemistry. Results : Bone fusion scores were significantly higher for $10.0{\mu}g$ AB204 and $10.0{\mu}g$ rhBMP2 than for osteon only or $1.0{\mu}g$ AB204. AB204 exhibited more prolonged osteoblastic activity than rhBMP2. Bone fusion properties of AB204 were similar with the properties of rhBMP2 at doses of 6.0 and $10.0{\mu}g$, but, the properties of AB204 at doses of $3.0{\mu}g$ exhibited better than the properties of rhBMP2 at doses of $3.0{\mu}g$. Conclusion : AB204 chimeras could to be more potent for treating spinal bone fusion than rhBMP2 substitutes with increased osteoblastic activity for over a longer period.