Osteoporosis: now and future

Osteoporosis is a very common disease defined by an impairment of bone mass and small architectural defects that result in fractures. It is an ever growing medical concern with our ageing population continually increasing. With research always progressing, therapeutic targets have been found in osteoblast and osteoclasts to inhibit high amounts of bone resorption and increase bone formation. Some of these treatments include denosumab, odanacatib, and antibodies against the proteins sclerostin and dickkopf-1, which are inhibitors of bone formation. Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody designed to attack RANKL, a protein which signals to promote bone removal. Odanacatib is an inhibitor of the osteoclast protease cathepsin K, which is involved in bone resorption.

The excellent thing about these new therapies is that there is a great need for additional and affordable anabolic treatments for patients. Since there are many bone drugs receiving medical approval, treatment for osteoporosis is going to become complex; therefore, integrating these therapies will not be difficult. Many of the current medications taken for osteoporosis have limitations and long-term side effects that could be dangerous. Since osteoporosis is an highly undesirable, unpreventable disease, these therapies could be revolutionary for people that are diagnosed.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com.lib-ezproxy.tamu.edu:2048/science/article/pii/S0140673610623495#sec2