Drug Cures Osteoporosis in Mice.

Results Suggest Hope for Human Trials in the Future.

A new study has concluded that an experimental drug which inhibits serotonin in the gut has cured osteoporosis in experimentally used mice and rats.

Prior studies have demonstrated that serotonin in the gut (GI tract) suspends or blocks bone formation. The majority of current pharmaceutical therapies for osteoporosis only prevent the breakdown of bone. What they do not do is encourage new bone growth.

Researchers who've discovered these findings are naturally excited and encouraged at the results, as they believe that this avenue of therapy provides a new pathway for handling the disease.

I'm sure pharmaceutical companies are happy as well.

In this study, mice/rats were given small doses of the new drug daily for six weeks. These particular rodents were identified as having postmenopausal osteoporosis. The treatment rendered was found to prevent the disease from full development or achieving full resolution (cure) of the disease when present.

Positive findings also show that while serotonin was inhibited in the gut, levels remained as they should in the brain. This signals that the drug should have less chance at producing adverse side effects.

Going forward, researchers are hoping to extrapolate their new findings and work toward solutions for humans, who have a pronounced risk of contracting the disorder.