Newer Approaches in the Treatment of Osteoporosis

The worldwide incidence of hip fracture is increasing and is commonly associated with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a debilitating bone disease resulting in increased cost and morbidity to the elderly. The bones become porous and fragile increasing chances of fracture. Osteoclastic activity is increased in oestoporosis. Current therapies include bisphosphonates, estrogens, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and PTH (parathyroid hormone). A lot of new drugs are likely to be approved and available for treatment of osetoprorosis, including the anti-RANK-ligand monoclonal antibody (denosumab), and cathepsin K inhibitors. This article highlights the new approaches for the treatment of osteoporosis that are in various stages of drug development.