
via Massachusetts General Hospital
Key Takeaways
- Parathyroid hormone–based medications can stimulate bone formation to treat osteoporosis but are only effective when administered by injection
- Researchers have now identified an oral compound that influences components of the parathyroid hormone signaling pathway to increase bone formation and bone mass in mice
- The investigators are currently working to optimize and develop this compound into a new therapy for patients
Parathyroid hormone can stimulate bone formation, and analogs of the hormone are often prescribed to patients with osteoporosis; however, these medications are only effective when administered by daily injection.
A team led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) recently identified a promising compound that influences components of the parathyroid hormone signaling pathway and that, when given orally to mice, increases bone mass. The group’s discovery, which is published in PNAS, might lead to a new, more convenient drug for preventing and treating osteoporosis.
“Currently there are no orally available medications for osteoporosis that stimulate bone formation. We sought to develop such medications based upon our detailed understanding of the pathways that normally govern bone production,” says senior author Marc Wein, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist at MGH and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
The pathway that involves parathyroid hormone inhibits salt-inducible kinase isoforms 2 and 3 (SIK2 and SIK3), which are enzymes with roles in the regulation of bone growth and remodeling.
Wein and his colleagues generated a novel structural model of these enzymes and then used advanced methods including structure-based drug design and iterative medicinal chemistry to identify a compound that potently inhibits SIK2 and SIK3. This compound, termed SK-124, had parathyroid hormone–like effects when given to cells and, most importantly, when fed to mice. In mice, oral treatment once a day for three weeks increased blood levels of calcium and vitamin D and also boosted bone formation and bone mass without evidence of short-term toxicity.
“Based on these findings, we propose that small molecules like SK-124 might represent ‘next generation’ oral bone building therapies for osteoporosis,” says Wein. “We are currently collaborating with a pharmaceutical company—Radius Health, Inc.—to further optimize and develop this compound into a treatment for patients.”
Original Article: New Oral Compound Developed by Mass General Researchers May Help Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis
More from: Massachusetts General Hospital
The Latest Updates from Bing News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Osteoporosis treatment
- Rani Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results; Provides Corporate Update
Anticipates initiating first Phase 2 clinical study in RT-102 in 2H of 2023 - - Announced topline results from the Phase 1 repeat-dose study of RT-102 for the treatment of osteoporosis - - Received ...
- The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation Unveils New Patient-Centered Tool for Osteoporosis Prevention and Management
The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) is pleased to announce the launch of a new patient pathway online tool - Your Path to Good Bone Health. This digital knowledge-roadmap provides ...
- Tests, screening procedures women should undergo to check their bone health
There are certain factors that leave women vulnerable to osteoporosis. Here are few tests/screening procedures women should undergo to check their bone health ...
- YOUR HEALTH: Nanobubbles; Destroying the genes that cause Osteoporosis
Almost 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million are at risk of getting it. It’s a disease that causes weak and fragile bones. And although there are medications to slow its ...
- Health Headlines: Targeting the genes that cause osteoporosis
Almost 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million are at risk of getting it. It’s a disease that causes weak and fragile bones. And although there are medications to slow its ...
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Osteoporosis
- The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation Unveils New Patient-Centered Tool for Osteoporosis Prevention and Management
The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) is pleased to announce the launch of a new patient pathway online tool - Your Path to Good Bone Health. This digital knowledge-roadmap provides ...
- YOUR HEALTH: Nanobubbles; Destroying the genes that cause Osteoporosis
Almost 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million are at risk of getting it. It’s a disease that causes weak and fragile bones. And although there are medications to slow its ...
- Clint Eastwood Not Seen In 408 Days: Hollywood Legend’s Pals Fear 92-Year-Old's Health Has Declined As Doctors Spark Osteoporosis Fears
Aging Hollywood tough guy Clint Eastwood hasn't been spotted in public in 408 days and his prolonged absence from the limelight has ignited fears his famously robust health has finally taken a turn ...
- Osteoporosis Market Insights and Forecast to 2028
The "Osteoporosis Market" study describes how the technology industry is evolving and how major and emerging players in ...
- Don’t Dread Menopause. Prepare for It Instead
Middle age comes with all sorts of bodily changes that are out of a person's control. But staying healthy as a younger adult can keep the worst effects of menopause at bay.