Two studies published in 2024 reveal the divergence between Big Pharma's never-ending quest for new osteoporosis drugs and scientific research explaining why those drugs would be ineffective.

In this article, we'll review the findings of these two studies; one proposes a new way to inhibit the cells that resorb bone, and another finds that inhibiting those bone-resorbing cells undermines the body's ability to build healthy new bone.

We'll help you navigate the dissonance between these studies to help you discover the best path forward for improving and maintaining the health of your bones.

The Enzyme That Regulates Osteoclast Differentiation

A study published in July 2024 in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications identified an enzyme called CTDNEP1 and showed how it suppresses osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption.¹

Osteoclasts are the cells responsible for resorbing old or damaged bone material, but this is not their only function– something we will explore in more detail later. Differentiation refers to the process where precursor cells, in this case, immune cells called macrophages, develop into different cells.

Researchers identified the function of enzyme ctdnep1 by genetically inhibiting it in mice and observing the resulting changes in the bone remodeling process in these CTDNEP1 genetic knockdown mice.¹

The study found that ctdnep1 acts as a “brake” on RANKL stimulation, which induces osteoclast differentiation. In normal mice, ctdnep1 prevents RANKL from stimulating the formation of too many osteoclasts. This is crucial because overproduction of osteoclasts would result in excessive bone resorption and disrupt the balance of the bone remodeling process.¹

The researchers propose ctdnep1 as a “therapeutic target”– a potential new drug that would mimic the action of ctdnep1, suppressing osteoclast differentiation. However, this hypothetical “new” drug wouldn't introduce a new strategy, as existing osteoporosis drugs like bisphosphonates already suppress osteoclasts using a different mechanism.

We already know about the terrible potential side effects that accompany osteoclast suppression, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures. However, as old drug patents expire, patentable new drugs that do the same thing are lucrative endeavors for BigPharma.

Synopsis

A study found an enzyme called CTDNEP1 serves as a brake on osteoclast formation. Researchers propose it as the target of a new drug, which would suppress osteoclasts. However, existing osteoporosis drugs such as bisphosphonates already work by suppressing osteoclasts and they pose the risk of horrific side effects like osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fracture.

Osteoclasts Produce Molecules That Stimulate Osteoblast Activity

A study published in April 2024 in the journal eLife reviewed current scientific literature on the multiple roles of osteoclasts. This comprehensive review analyzes the growing understanding of communication between osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

Osteoblasts are the cells responsible for depositing new bone material, while osteoclasts are responsible for resorbing old bone. The studies included in this review found that osteoclasts do more than resorb bone; they also regulate bone formation.²

Osteoclasts secrete molecules that influence osteoblastic activity or function. These signaling molecules have been named clastokines. The researchers emphasized the significance of osteoclasts not just for bone resorption, but also for new bone formation.²

“​​In conclusion, this review highlights the pivotal role of osteoclasts in orchestrating the dynamic interplay between bone resorption and formation. Significant steps forward have been made in identifying new clastokines and their anabolic effect over the past decades.”²

Synopsis

A review of studies about the multiple functions of osteoclasts highlights our growing understanding of how osteoclasts regulate bone formation in addition to performing bone resorption. Osteoclasts secrete molecules called clastokines that communicate with osteoblasts, stimulating bone formation.

Osteoclast Suppression Disrupts Bone Formation

The study cited above notes that while bisphosphonates “slightly increase bone density”², they “also strongly disrupt the bone repair mechanism. This can give rise to clinical complications such as osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fractures.”²

This calls into question why other researchers would propose CTDNEP1 as a drug to suppress osteoclast function. We know that doing so is a self-defeating approach to improving bone strength and quality.

While a deeper understanding of how our bone remodeling system functions is valuable, there is a different value sought by Big Pharma— drug profits. We already know about the grave risks associated with osteoporosis drugs, but that hasn't slowed down the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry.

Even this emerging understanding of how osteoclasts play a role in bone formation may eventually lead to the development of new drugs. The review of the roles of osteoclasts proposes clastokines as a therapeutic target.

Clastokines are not yet well enough understood for drug development, but with time that may happen. However, the possibility of developing a new drug is the wrong takeaway from our expanding knowledge of the interdependence between osteoclasts and osteoblasts.

The complex interconnectedness of the cells responsible for maintaining our bones is a reminder that we must care for the whole system rather than attempting to force individual parts of it to change through artificial chemical manipulation.

We have ample evidence showing how a pH-balanced diet, regular exercise, and other easy lifestyle changes effectively support the bone remodeling process. The Save Institute was built on this scientific foundation, and it continues to be a safe and effective way to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fracture.

Synopsis

Bisphosphonates disrupt bone remodeling, potentially with dire consequences. Despite this, researchers propose new drugs with the same effect. Clastokines are evidence that a holistic approach is the only safe and effective path to improving bone remodeling and strengthening bone.

What This Means To You

Your body is a remarkable collection of systems that work together to keep you healthy and functional. The holistic approach of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program uses this knowledge to create a path to stronger bones that also enhances your overall wellness.

It's not a quick fix; it's a gradual process of making small changes to improve your health and build your bones. Unlike pills or injections, a natural approach to strengthening your bones results only in positive side effects, such as feeling energized, powerful, and ready to embrace life to the fullest.

References

¹ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X24005990?via%3Dihub

² https://elifesciences.org/articles/95083