Treatment for osteoporosis

Joan Roig

Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain

Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease characterised by a decrease in bone density which leads to an increased risk of fractures. Although it is often associated with ageing, other factors can also contribute to its onset, such as hormonal deficits caused by menopause or medical treatments related to ovarian and prostate cancer. Bone fractures are not only a burden on families and healthcare systems, but also significantly reduce people’s quality of life.

Although treatments exist aimed at slowing the progression of this disease, they have limitations and also come with undesirable side effects. In previous studies conducted on animal models of ageing, the researchers in this project used the protein Klotho, present in the membrane of various cell types and in the bloodstream, and demonstrated its beneficial effect in preventing osteoporosis.

This new project aims to confirm the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of this protein in order to pave the way for the development of a new effective and safe therapy for osteoporosis.

Towards an effective and safe therapy for hormonal-deficiency osteoporosis based on klotho protein

Stage 2