Emerging therapeutic opportunities for skeletal restoration.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2011

Institution/Department

Center for Clinical and Translational Research; Maine Medical Center Research Institute

Journal Title

Nature reviews. Drug discovery

MeSH Headings

Animals, Bone Density, Bone Density Conservation Agents, Bone Diseases, Metabolic, Bone Regeneration, Fractures, Bone, Humans, Osteoporosis, Signal Transduction

Abstract

Osteoporosis, a syndrome characterized by thin bones and fractures, has become more prevalent in both women and men. Established therapies for treating this disorder consist primarily of drugs that prevent bone loss, such as the bisphosphonates and selective oestrogen receptor modulators. Although these drugs have been shown to reduce fractures in randomized trials, there is an urgent need for treatments that could lower fracture risk further without additional adverse effects. The introduction of parathyroid hormone (teriparatide), which significantly increases bone mineral density, albeit for a relatively short duration, raised expectations that drugs that stimulate bone formation might cure osteoporosis. After outlining current approaches for treating osteoporosis, this Review focuses on emerging therapeutic opportunities for osteoporosis that are based on recent insights into skeletal physiology. Such novel strategies offer promise not only for reducing age-related bone loss and the associated risk of fractures but also for restoring bone mineral density to healthy levels.

ISSN

1474-1784

First Page

141

Last Page

156

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