EFN

Researchers at Columbia University Medical center have been investigating whether the drug LP533401 drug can be used to treat osteoporosis. LP533401 inhibits the production of Serotonin in the gut.

Healthy bones have a constant balance of bone resorption and bone formation. Bones suffering from osteoporosis no longer have this balance, creating weak, easily fractured bones. Most treatments available for osteoporosis merely stop bone reduction and strengthen existing bone. There is one treatment that does promote bone growth. However, it requires daily injections and is only used on very severe cases due to an increased chance of getting bone cancer.

Ninety-five percent of Serotonin, a chemical associated with mood stabilization in the brain, is found in the gut, and has been linked to the inability of bones to repair themselves. LP533401 testing on mice has proven that reducing the Serotonin levels in the gut, not only slows down bone loss but promotes new bone growth. The drug has been shown to have no affect on the Serotonin levels in the brain, allowing the chemical to still stabilize the mood.

This new treatment for osteoporosis has the potential to finally cure this debilitating disease and improve the lives of thousands of people.