Future Directions in Osteoporosis Therapeutics

Future directions in osteoporosis treatment will include development of medications with increasingly precise mechanistic targets, including the RANK-ligand pathway, cathepsin K inhibition, and Wnt signaling manipulation. More gains are likely with anabolics and newer antiresorptives that cause little or no suppression of formation. Optimal treatment of osteoporosis may require coordination of anabolic and antiresorptive treatment, following stimulation of bone formation with consolidation and long-term maintenance. Some well-established drugs may be useful in such regimens. We can also anticipate emphasis on cost containment using currently available drugs, especially as they become generic. Effective implementation and treatment continuity will be important themes.