Chemistry

Teriparatide

Drug

Biochemistry

Bone resorption

Anabolism

Receptor

Bone mineral

Cathepsin K

Anabolic Agents

Bioinformatics

Biology

Bone remodeling

Osteoblast

Cancer

Tamoxifen

Signal transduction

Sclerostin

Breast cancer

Internal medicine

Raloxifene

Pharmacology

Wnt signaling pathway

In vitro

Osteoclast

Osteoporosis

Medicine

Current Medicinal Chemistry

Abstract:: Osteoporosis is a pathological loss of bone mass due to an imbalance in bone remodeling where osteoclast-mediated bone resorption exceeds osteoblast-mediated bone formation resulting in skeletal fragility and fractures. Anti-resorptive agents, such as bisphosphonates and SERMs, and anabolic drugs that stimulate bone formation, including PTH analogues and sclerostin inhibitors, are current treatments for osteoporosis. Despite their efficacy, severe side effects and loss of potency may limit the long term usage of a single drug. Sequential and combinational use of current drugs, such as switching from an anabolic to an anti-resorptive agent, may provide an alternative approach. Moreover, there are novel drugs being developed against emerging new targets such as Cathepsin K and 17β-HSD2 that may have less side effects. This review will summarize the molecular mechanisms of osteoporosis, current drugs for osteoporosis treatment, and new drug development strategies.

Osteoporosis: Mechanism, Molecular Target and Current Status on Drug Development