Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne have developed a novel osteoporosis treatment that rapidly increases bone density by injecting a hydrogel directly into weakened bones.
They studied the effects of this new technique in laboratory rats and published the results in the journal Bone in March 2025. In this article, we will review the details of their study, the researchers' considerable conflicts of interest, and the potential dangers and drawbacks of this new approach to increasing bone density.
Bone Injections To Increase Density
Scientists seeking to rapidly increase bone density in osteoporosis patients have proposed a new technique — injecting material directly into bone tissue to boost density. They call this method “local bone augmentation.”
The injected material is a hydrogel composed of hyaluronic acid and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles chosen to mimic the natural structure of bone tissue. The researchers who created the hydrogel and injection method conducted a study with rats to test the procedure's efficacy in concert with traditional osteoporosis drugs.
The study included 36 rats with induced osteoporosis that were given either alendronate (Fosamax), parathyroid hormone, or a neutral control substance as systemic therapy. The mice were then randomly divided into three groups for injection with different substances: hydrogel (HA2), hydrogel mixed with zoledronate (HA2-ZOL), or a control injection of NaCl (sodium chloride). The scientists hypothesized that mixing the bisphosphonate zoledronate (marketed in the US as Reclast) into the injectable hydrogel would enhance the anti-resorptive effects.
They injected the biomaterial into the porous trabecular bone of the rats' tibiae and measured bone volume fraction (a measure of bone mineral density), tissue mineral density, and trabecular morphology over eight weeks.
Synopsis
Researchers injected the tibiae of osteoporotic rats with a hydrogel of hyaluronic acid and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, the same hydrogel mixed with an osteoporosis drug (zoledronate), or a neutral control compound to test the treatment's impact on bone density over 8 weeks.
The Results Of Injecting Osteoporotic Bone With Hydrogel And Bisphosphonates
The hydrogel injection without zoledronate increased bone volume fraction by 2.5 to 3.4 times at the injection site. However, the increase was confined to the injected material. The hydrogel with zoledronate increased this response to a nearly five-fold increase within two to four weeks.
The systemic therapy control group demonstrated that hydrogel injection increased boe density independently of any systemic drugs.
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The hydrogel with zoledronate (HA-ZOL) enhanced bone formation and delayed resorption in the systemic therapy control and parathyroid hormone therapy group but provided no additional benefit in rats treated with systemic bisphosphonate (alendronate).
This result led the researchers to conclude that injectable hydrogels with localized drug delivery could rapidly increase local bone density.
Synopsis
Hydrogel injection increased bone volume fraction by two to three times at the site of injection. Hydrogel mixed with zoledronate resulted in a nearly five-fold increase, but the additional increase only occurred in rats not treated with systemic bisphosphonates.
Implications And Complications Of This Study
While rats share many physiological traits with humans, studies in human participants are needed to determine how this procedure might affect human bone health. Furthermore, this short-term study provides no data on long-term effects of this procedure, raising serious questions about the procedure’s safety, efficacy, and long-term effects.
The hydrogel's components, hyaluronic acid and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, are designed to mimic natural bone minerals, which may give the impression that they are inherently natural and safe. However, these hydrogels are a foreign substance added to the body and the potential side effects of injecting synthetic materials into human bone tissue are unknown.
The combination of the hydrogel with zoledronate raises additional questions and concerns. At the Save Institute, we advise against the use of osteoporosis medications, including bisphosphonates like zoledronate. They are unnecessary for building stronger bones that last and they come with a long list of potentially devastating side effects.
Furthermore, while the possibility of rapidly increasing bone density might sound appealing, it doesn't necessarily translate into improved bone health. Bone quality is not solely about density. Optimal bone health involves several factors, including tensile strength and bone flexibility, which play critical roles in reducing fracture risk. Increasing density alone may not prevent fractures.
Finally, the authors of the study report significant conflicts of interest. Their research was financed by the institute that created the new hydrogel, and the researchers themselves report a financial stake in the future of the drug. This is not a study conducted by independent and unbiased scientists. While that doesn't mean that their findings are invalid, it does indicate the need for further study by scientists who do not have conflicts of interest.
Unfortunately, compromised scientific studies are all too common in the world of drug development. That's all the more reason to pursue a drug-free approach to reversing and preventing osteoporosis.
Synopsis
Until human trials are conducted, we won’t know whether hydrogel injections will be effective and safe in humans. The injection of a synthetic material into bone raises concerns about long-term safety, and the inclusion of zoledronate in the hydrogel adds more risk. The researchers reported significant conflicts of interest, including personal financial stakes in the technology they were studying.
What This Means To You
A hydrogel bone injection technique may never be approved for human use, but you can begin strengthening your bones and reducing fracture risk now through scientifically proven diet, exercise, and simple lifestyle strategies.
The Osteoporosis Reversal Program contains all the scientific research that backs up our drug-free method for building stronger bones and a healthier life. Best of all, it's totally safe; there are no human trials required and no side effects to worry about because this intervention is completely natural.
The knowledge and tools you need to construct the future you want are ready and waiting. Start building your bones and ensuring you stay active, independent, and well.
My FRAX score in the US indicates 50% chance of fracture in 10 years. With the same DEXA numbers, my FRAX score according to EU standards is 21% in 10 years.
Yesterday I had DEXA spine result of -3.9. I’m 72 and feel great. My ( somewhat progressive) doctor is suggesting Zolendronic Acid/Reclast
but tomorrow I will tell her no as I’d rather follow the Osteo reversal program no.
I workout and eat well. 2 months ago I stopped having my 1-2 (8 oz glasses) of Chardonnay w/ dinner. Upped my workouts and today started on True Osteo.
Please tell me if I’m doing he right thing as I never take meds.
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Elizabeth! As I wrote in an article titled “Whom Should You Trust”:
“When it comes to your bone health, you, as a Save Our Bones community member, know a lot and should trust yourself.”
Here’s the link to the article, so you can read it:
https://saveourbones.com/who-should-you-trust/
Stay healthy and positive!
I do blood test every 3 month due to pre diabetic and it shows my creatine is low. I have tried to eat more protein but doesn’t improve. I like to know whether I should supplement with creatine powder. Thank you.
I suggest you consult with a naturopathic or functional medicine doctor to discuss your test results and if you should supplement with creatine powder, Julie. Low creatine levels could indicate that the liver, kidneys, or muscles are not functioning as they should. Wishing you good health and a joyful life!
I have been diagnosed with osteopenia and have been taking a collagen powder for the last 6 months. What do you think of this, or am I wasting my money?
June, collagen is essential to support healthy bones, so boosting collagen most certainly makes sense. There is no clear scientific evidence that taking collagen has benefits. Take a look at this article on the topic to learn more about this:
https://saveourbones.com/how-collagen-strengthens-your-bones-and-how-to-support-it/
What do you think of OsteoStrong?
What do you think of AlgaeCal as a supplement?
Susan, OsteoStrong is based on Wolff’s law, which describes the cause-and -effect relationship between mechanical load placed on bone and the body’s production of new bone mass.When you perform weight-bearing exercises (any exercise in which the bones are bearing mechanical load), the result is additional bone mass.
And algae-derived calcium, which is in AlgaeCal, is a good bioavailable source of that crucial mineral.
I have been taking Baricitinib for my Rheumatoid Arthritis and now the doctor wants me to also inject myself with Teriparatide or Rososozumab for my osteoporosis . I am very concerned about having to introduce my body to so may prescribed drugs.
We’re sorry that you are dealing with that condition and understand that you’d rather not add more medications to your daily routine. Of course, if you wish to pursue a natural solution to osteoporosis, the decision is in your hands. Here are some articles about teriparatide (Forteo) and romosozumab (Evenity) to help you out:
https://saveourbones.com/the-forteo-mystery-what-you-should-know-about-this-puzzling-drug/
https://saveourbones.com/evenity-romosozumab-everything-you-need-to-know-about-this-new-osteoporosis-drug/
https://saveourbones.com/alert-confirmed-serious-health-risk-of-recently-approved-evenity/
Wishing you good health and a worry-free life!
Thank you for safe guarding our health. Without your ever watchful eyes we wouldn’t know. UK
My pleasure, Rita! At the Save Institute, we strive to keep Savers informed about the latest osteoporosis news.
Thank you for the detailed information on the new bone density treatment option and for your reasoned advice always, it is much appreciated.
You’re very welcome, Gwyneth!