Osteoporosis is a bone disease where density decreases to the point that fractures can occur with minimal trauma — especially in the spine, hip, and wrist. It is extremely common in older women but also affects men, and hip fractures in particular carry a high risk of disability and death.
What's actually going on in research
Romosozumab, a sclerostin inhibitor that builds bone while also reducing bone breakdown, is being used in high-risk patients, and trials are optimizing treatment sequences with other bone drugs. Anabolic agents like teriparatide and abaloparatide build new bone and are being followed by bisphosphonates or denosumab to maintain gains — and trials are refining the optimal transition strategy. Long-term safety data on denosumab discontinuation, which can cause rebound fractures, is a major ongoing research topic.
Romosozumab (sclerostin inhibitor)
This dual-action drug stimulates bone formation and reduces bone breakdown simultaneously, producing larger bone density gains than previous anabolic drugs in fracture-risk patients.
Anabolic-then-antiresorptive sequencing
Using bone-building drugs first followed by maintenance with bisphosphonates or denosumab appears to maximize and maintain bone density gains; trials are comparing transition strategies.
Denosumab discontinuation risk
Stopping denosumab causes rapid bone loss and increased fracture risk. Trials are testing transition approaches and optimal follow-on therapy to safely discontinue this drug.
What to know before you search
Eligibility depends on bone mineral density (T-score), FRAX 10-year fracture risk, prior fracture history, prior osteoporosis treatment, and age.
What types of trials are currently open
- Drug trials — Testing new anabolic drugs, antiresorptives, or novel combination strategies for fracture prevention.
- Sequencing trials — Comparing treatment sequences of anabolic followed by antiresorptive drugs.
- Men's osteoporosis trials — Testing fracture prevention strategies specifically in men, who are underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- Post-fracture trials — Testing treatment initiation and rehabilitation programs after osteoporotic hip or vertebral fractures.
- Discontinuation safety trials — Identifying safe transition strategies after denosumab treatment.
Recently added Osteoporosis trials
Radiographic Cortical Thickness of the Humerus in Detecting Post-Stroke Regional Bone Loss
Post-stroke immobilization and reduced weight-bearing frequently lead to significant regional bone mineral density loss and asymmetry, particularly in the paretic upper extremity, which increases fracture risks. While Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for evaluating systemic bone loss, it primarily focuses on axial or lower extremity sites and lacks universal accessibility. Since routine shoulder radiographs offer an opportunistic screening tool to evaluate regional bone quality without additional radiation , this study aims to compare proximal humerus cortical bone thickness between the paretic and non-paretic sides in stroke patients and assess its correlation with systemic DXA values to determine its clinical utility. This cross-sectional, observational study involves a retrospective data analysis of patients aged 18 and older who experienced a single unilateral stroke at least 6 months prior and present with clinical hemiparesis. Eligible participants must have concurrent standard anteroposterior shoulder radiographs and DXA measurements available from their routine clinical follow-ups. Patient demographic data, stroke characteristics, Brunnstrom stages, and systemic DXA measurements (femoral neck and lumbar spine T-scores and bone mineral density values) are systematically recorded for analysis. Cortical bone thickness measurements are performed using ImageJ software on standard radiographs at points 10 cm and 12 cm distal to the highest point of the humerus. To ensure reliability, measurements for both the paretic and non-paretic sides are conducted independently by two researchers who are completely blinded to the DXA results. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests and Pearson or Spearman correlations, will be used to compare the sides and evaluate the relationship between radiographic cortical thickness and systemic bone density.
People With Osteoporosis Can Walk-BEST to Reduce Fall and Fracture Risk
The aim of the Walk BEST study is to provide evidence that it is feasible to implement the technology assisted gait- focused walking program Walk-BEST™ in older adults with osteoporosis, and that this program is acceptable to this population.
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