Current and Future Trends of Drugs Used in Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis represents a weakening of bone tissue due to an imbalance in the dynamic processes of bone formation and bone resorption that are continually ongoing within bone tissue. Most currently available osteoporosis therapies are antiresorptive agents. Promising new drugs are currently under investigation by the FDA for the treatment of osteoporosis. Majority of the drugs used in osteoporosis are antiresorptive agents. These drugs act by inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption and thus slowing the loss of bone mass. However these drugs do not stimulate new drug formation and does not increase true bone mass. The only FDA approved bone anabolic agent is PTH. It is the most beneficial agent for the patients with very low bone mass. Clinical trials are undergoing for denosumab. One of the new drug strontium ranelate acts by stimulating the bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption. More recent research indicates that dietary sources of phytoestrogens may increase osteoprotegerin production and help prevent bone loss and bone resorption; however, rigorous data are needed before clinical recommendations can be made. This review discusses the use of currently available agents as well as highlighting emerging agents expected to bring significant changes to the approach to osteoporosis therapy in the near future.