Study confirms bone drugs' fatal flaw

Although the drug zoledronic acid slows bone loss in osteoporosis patients, it also boosts levels of a biomarker that stops bone formation, according to a recent study in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases the risk patients will suffer fractures. The findings suggest combination therapy may be a more effective approach to battling this common condition.  

According to the lead researcher, "the key to effectively treating osteoporosis lies in increasing bone mass. Zoledronic acid halts bone loss, but it also signals the body to stop forming new bone mass. The drug may need to be combined with other treatments to add bone mass. An innovative combination therapy using zoledronic acid and selective antibodies to block the sclerostin could simultaneously stop bone loss and encourage new bone formation. This is an important avenue for researchers to explore as they develop new osteoporosis treatments."

Bonnie: What really sticks in my craw is that Big Pharma has known this forever, but have made billions convincing women to take drugs that leave them with weak bone anyway.