Posted on 10 February 2023

New treatment could reverse osteoporosis

Drugs for osteoporosis have (so far) failed to prevent long-term bone loss. But scientists in Florida have developed a new treatment that could help to reverse osteoporosis. In time, it could become a new treatment to reverse osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis causes the body to lose bone. In people with osteoporosis, their body produces less bone tissue, which leads to bones losing strength and density. Some osteoporosis treatments can help to slow and stop bone loss, but these come with serious side effects and can’t be taken for long periods.

There is a global call for new osteoporosis treatments that can help to stop bone loss and encourage new bone growth – and scientists in Florida may have found one.

Scientists discovered that a mutation in hormone receptor relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) made them more likely to develop osteoporosis.

They wondered if activating this receptor could stop bone loss – in effect, treating osteoporosis. so they set about testing it.

They used robots to test over 80,000 chemical compounds until they found one that worked – and the results were incredible. Tests on mice showed significant reductions in bone loss, suggesting that the treatment was effective.

The team saw an almost immediate improvement in bone density.

“Our experiments in the lab showed small molecule activators delivered orally improve bone density, an exciting discovery that could lead to a new treatment for osteoporosis,” said study author Alexander Agoulnik, FIU professor and interim chair of the Department of Human and Molecular Genetics.

While the treatment may have been effective in mice, there is still a way to go before it can be used in humans. There will need to be several stages of studies before any new treatment can be deemed safe to use.

However, it shows that osteoporosis can be reversed and, in time, that scientists will solve the challenge sooner rather than later.

“This opens up a new area of study to allow for clinical application to prevent or reverse osteoporosis,” said Maria Esteban Lopez, one of the researchers.

While these treatments could transform the future for people with osteoporosis, prevention is still a better strategy.

So, what can you do to build stronger bones?

The NHS recommends that you do 5 things:

1. Eat healthily
2. Get exercise
3. Stop smoking
4. Cut down on alcohol
5. Ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to grow bone

To help you get the best supplements for osteoporosis, we’re created this detailed guide on vitamins for bones.

If you need any supplements to support your diet and lifestyle, buy yours from Stronger Bones. We’re at least 25% cheaper than high street prices, and you can get free delivery when you spend over £25.