According to osteoporosis research published in the PLoS One journal, low-dose aspirin can decrease the activity of cells that breakdown bone, while increasing the activity of cell that build up bone. Recent evidence also suggests a role of a decline in bone-forming cells in osteoporosis, Dr. Songtao Shi from University of Southern California School of Dentistry noted.

Studies conducted by Canadian researchers point out that patients of heart failure are four times more prone to fracture risk. This is the first study of its kind that links heart failure to fracture risk. Common factors between osteoporosis and heart failure were also highlighted. These include old age, smoking, female sex and type-2 diabetes. The study has also identified areas that need improvement immediately such as adequate screening.

Merck & Co., Inc. and Japan Tobacco Inc. have entered into a worldwide licensing agreement for the development and commercialization of JTT-305, an oral osteoanabolic (bone growth stimulating) agent to be used in the treatment of osteoporosis. JTT-305 is in its investigational stage at the moment. Under the agreement, Japan Tobacco will be receiving an upfront payment, along with additional milestone payments and royalties from sales. Currently in Phase II of its clinical trial, the oral calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) antagonist is being tested in Japan for its potential to increase bone density.

Radius Health has announced the completion of enrollment of patients for the Phase II clinical trial of BA058, the company’s bone anatomic candidate for osteoporosis. The trial will study the capability of BA058 to build new bones in postmenopausal women. The clinical trial will study 244 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are otherwise healthy.

The European Commission has approved a new indication of Eli Lilly and Company’s FORSTEO(R) teriparatide injection in osteoporosis, along with sustained, systemic glucocorticoid therapy. The product supports new bone formation by helping the osteoblasts. Teriparatide was initially approved for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in 2003 and then received an expanded indication for osteoporosis in men in 2007.

Amgen Inc announced positive results of its pivotal Phase III trial for its denosumab drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. The results demonstrated that bone density at several skeletal sites improved for women in the early- and late-stage postmenopausal phase. Osteoporosis patients taking denosumab showed a drastic increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) after 24 months, as compared to placebo, Amgen added.