title: Future directions in osteoporosis therapeutics.
abstract: Future directions in osteoporosis treatment will include development of medications with increasingly precise mechanistic targets, including the RANK-ligand pathway, cathepsin K inhibition, and Wnt signaling manipulation. More gains are likely with anabolics and newer antiresorptives that cause little or no suppression of formation. Optimal treatment of osteoporosis may require coordination of anabolic and antiresorptive treatment, following stimulation of bone formation with consolidation and long-term maintenance. Some well-established drugs may be useful in such regimens. We can also anticipate emphasis on cost containment using currently available drugs, especially as they become generic. Effective implementation and treatment continuity will be important themes.
authors.affiliation: Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Michigan Bone and Mineral Clinic, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, 22201 Moross Road, Detroit, MI 48236, USA. hgbone.md@att.net
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bone
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000639:trends; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000639:trends; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010601:Pharmacology, Clinical / Q000639:trends*; D053245:RANK Ligand / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D045930:Anabolic Agents; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D053245:RANK Ligand