Osteoporosis, according to Mayo Clinic, is a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones and poses a significant risk as even minor actions like coughing or bending can result in fractures. The imbalance between the breakdown and formation of bone tissue leads to reduced bone density, making fractures, particularly in the hip, wrist, and spine, more prevalent.
Ongoing research in the field aims to develop new and more effective treatments for osteoporosis. Below are the top five of the latest breakthroughs in osteoporosis research discussed in Labiotech, highlighting the potential for improved therapeutic options in the future.
Oral Treatment for Osteoporosis
Researchers from Florida International University's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, in collaboration with the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, have identified a potential breakthrough in osteoporosis treatment. In their news release, they announced discovering a method to enhance bone production by targeting a hormone receptor called RXFP2.
Through extensive screening of chemical compounds, they identified a specific compound that activates this receptor, leading to improved bone density in laboratory tests on mice. This finding has the potential to pave the way for more accessible and effective treatments for osteoporosis in the future.
Estrogen Helps Speed Up Bone Healing in Postmenopausal Women
Osteoporosis affects women more than men due to menopause, and fractures in older women heal slower than in men. Recent research has revealed that estrogen, a hormone associated with menopause, can accelerate bone fracture healing. Scientists administered localized estrogen to menopausal mice with fractures and observed faster healing.
Researchers found that estrogen plays a crucial role in bone proliferation at the stem cell level; and by administering localized estrogen to mice without ovaries, they restored skeletal stem cells and improved healing, potentially transforming fracture treatment for women.
Key Epigenetic Modulator Revealed in Osteoporosis Research
Scientists from the Van Andel Institute have identified a significant contributor to low bone density in osteoporosis, potentially leading to improved treatments with fewer side effects for women.
Their research highlights the role of KDM5C, an epigenetic modulator that influences bone mass preservation. By altering epigenetic marks that control DNA instructions, KDM5C affects the timing and location of gene expression.
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RaniPill GO Capsule Shows Promising Results as an Oral Treatment for Osteoporosis in Phase 1 Study
Rani Therapeutic is developing a capsule called RT-102, known as RaniPill GO, as a potential treatment for osteoporosis. This capsule contains a specialized formulation of human parathyroid hormone (1-34) analog, which has been shown to effectively promote bone growth. In the recent phase 1 study, the company reported positive results, meeting all study goals.
The drug was well-tolerated without any significant side effects, and its delivery through the capsule showed high reliability and bioavailability comparable to or better than injections. Rani Therapeutics plans to move forward with a phase 2 trial in the near future.
Mathematical Model Offers Insights into Optimal Drug Combinations for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Treatment
Scientists have developed a novel mathematical model to assist clinicians in determining the optimal combination and sequence of medications for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. While multiple drugs are available for this condition, little evidence exists regarding the most effective treatment combinations.
As Labiotech reports, the mathematical model provides insights into the effects of various drug combinations. By rearranging the order of medications, the model identifies combinations that yield superior outcomes and reduce the risk of side effects.
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