Warning! Scientists are repeating old mistakes in their attempt to create a new osteoporosis drug
A recent study has revealed a new osteoporosis drug in development. However, the direction the researchers are taking is very similar to an existing drug against osteoporosis: Evenity (romosozumab).
The researchers promote their methodology as a revolutionary approach to drug development, even though the synthetic molecule they created closely resembles an existing osteoporosis drug.
We will look at this new drug in development and how it compares to other medications and their side effects.
Bio-inspired molecules built to target bone
Researchers from several biotechnology and medical institutions have collaborated to develop new ‘bio-inspired’ molecules that improve bone regeneration in mice.
Their research, published in the journal Biomaterials, highlights their use of computer modeling and testing to more effectively bioengineer molecules inspired by biology. They designed the synthetic compounds to interact with natural pathways related to bone remodeling.1
The molecules, called Rationally Engineered Oligomeric Glycosaminoglycan Derivatives (reGAG), are designed to block the signaling pathways of two naturally occurring proteins: Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and sclerostin. Both proteins inhibit the development of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for generating new bone.1
The researchers believe that these new molecules could be used to develop new drugs that help the body regenerate bones more efficiently. Their eyes are clearly on the osteoporosis drug market. However, despite their unique development method, they have not yet discovered a new route for artificially accelerated bone growth.
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Biotech and medical researchers have joined forces to design a new synthetic molecule that inhibits two proteins: DKK1 and sclerostin. These proteins inhibit the formation of the cells that build new bone, osteoblasts. Although the process for making these molecules is new, this mechanism of action has already been tried by other drugs.
Romosozumab Redux
The new molecule, reGAG, targets the protein sclerostin, which has had a controversial history in the medical industry. Sclerostin is the target of a well-known osteoporosis drug: Evenity, also known as romosozumab.
Evenity is an injectable osteoporosis drug that inhibits sclerostin. This action results in more osteoblast formation, which leads to increased production of new bone. However, the drug stops working over time and patients must then be switched to a bisphosphonate to try to maintain the increase in bone mineral density.
This temporary increase in bone mineral density comes at no cost. Romosozumab was originally rejected by the FDA due to the risk of heart attack. It was too dangerous to prescribe.
However, the following year, Amgen, the pharmaceutical giant behind Evenity, resubmitted the identical drug. The FDA has approved it only for women considered to be at highest risk for fractures. Of course, the drug still carries significant risks.
Additional studies have confirmed the heart health risks of romosozumab and directly linked it to sclerostin inhibition.2 That’s the same mechanism of action claimed in the new study, along with the inhibition of another protein called Dickkopf-1 (DKK1).
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The new molecule reGAG inhibits sclerostin to increase bone formation. That’s the same mechanism of action as romosozumab (Eventiy), an osteoporosis drug that increases the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
DKK1: More of the same
The other protein inhibited by this newly manufactured bioinspired molecule is Dickkopf-1 (DKK1).
Studies have shown that this protein is critical for the development of the embryonic heart, head and forelimbs. It is also critical for bone development and bone health in adults.3
Like sclerostin, DKK1 is known to inhibit bone repair by suppressing osteoblast formation. That’s why researchers are focusing on it in addition to sclerostin. However, it remains to be seen what unintended consequences will result from inhibiting this naturally occurring protein.
If the “bioinspired” compounds that inhibit DKK1 and sclerostin are developed into a drug, the inclusion of DKK1 inhibition could introduce new side effects to an already risky osteoporosis treatment.
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DKKI is a protein essential for embryonic development. Later, it helps regulate bone formation by inhibiting osteoblast formation, just like sclerostin. However, unlike sclerostin, we do not yet know the possible side effects of a drug that artificially disables this naturally occurring protein.
What this means for you
Although Big Pharma is constantly searching for new drugs, the results often show limited effectiveness and harmful side effects. This further highlights the importance of an integrative and natural approach to bone health.
The Osteoporosis Reversal Program offers a holistic, drug-free program with positive changes that will result in stronger bones and better health. It takes more effort than a pill and more time than an injection, but the results are well worth it.
Embrace a life of freedom, confidence, and independence by staying committed to your all-natural bone health regimen!
References
1 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0142961223001138?via%3Dihub
2 https://stm.sciencemag.org/content/12/549/eaay6570
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2628360/
