This month’s bulletin covers new imaging technology, novel uses for old drugs, and a potential anti-aging elixir.

First, we’ll look at a medical product out of Spain that uses technology to turn 2D DXA scans into 3D renderings of bone. It could become commonplace.

Then, you’ll learn about a study in Taiwan that associated the number of denosumab (Prolia) doses taken by participants with their chance of developing diabetes.

Finally, we’ll examine the details of a new therapy that trains the immune system to eliminate dead cells that accumulate in the body. The researchers found that it had anti-aging effects in laboratory mice.

New Diagnostic Tool For Femoral Osteoporosis

Researchers in Spain teamed up with private medication technology companies to develop a new tool for turning DXA scans into 3D images of bone. They believe that their technology could improve the ability of doctors to assess bone quality and strength.

Relevant Excerpt

“This tool uses statistical methods to generate three-dimensional images of the femur, developed by 3D-Shaper Medical, with biomechanical simulations developed with BCN MedTech (UPF). As a starting point for applying statistical methods, the new tool uses 2D images obtained from the most widespread method for the clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis today (DXA).

It should be kept in mind that currently, the most widespread diagnostic tools are based on two-dimensional images, which do not adequately capture the density of the trabecular and cortical compartments of the bone. This is essential to assess bone strength and prevent possible fractures.”¹

This new tool could allow doctors to gather more information about their patients' bones. That’s a good thing. However, the most important question is what happens next. If this technology is used to increase prescriptions of osteoporosis drugs it may become the new standard, pushed into every medical facility by Big Pharma.

However, it could also be used to help more people learn about their bone health and make changes to their diet and lifestyle to build stronger bones without drugs. Like all technology, how this new development is used will determine whether it is a positive or negative addition to the field of osteoporosis prevention and intervention.

Synopsis

A group of Spanish researchers have developed software that can turn a two dimensional DXA scan into a three dimensional measurement of bone strength and quality. Although this advancement improve bone health assessments, it could also lead to an increase in osteoporosis drugs prescriptions.

Osteoporosis Drug May Reduce Risk Of Incident Diabetes

A recent study in Taiwan found that participants who took two doses of the osteoporosis drug denosumab (Prolia) were less likely to develop incident or new-onset diabetes than those who only took the first dose.

Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits RANKL, a protein that regulates bone regeneration and remodeling. The drug is administered by injection every six months.

Relevant Excerpt

”Investigators in Taiwan conducted a large-scale nationwide, propensity score–matched cohort study to evaluate the efficacy of denosumab in reducing the incidence of diabetes in patients with osteoporosis.

The study included 68,510 Taiwanese participants… Investigators evaluated 34,255 patients who started denosumab treatment and continued with it as well as 34,255 who started denosumab treatment but discontinued it after the initial dose. Participants received follow-up at 1.9 years, on average.

In the 2-dose arm, 2,016 patients developed diabetes compared to 3,220 participants who developed diabetes in the comparison (1-dose) arm, showing that continued denosumab treatment could reduce the risk of incident diabetes more than a single dose.”²

The study found that adults aged 65 years and older were especially more likely to experience this effect. The drug was also shown to reduce the risk of diabetes in men and women.

This potential positive impact of denosumab does not outweigh its significant and potentially devastating side effects ,including life-threatening hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood), osteonecrosis of the jaw, and atypical femur fracture.

The sudden interest in potential secondary effects of denosumab is likely the result of the upcoming end of Amgen’s US patent on the drug. Big Pharma companies frequently attempt to find new uses for old drugs so that they can attempt to maximize their profits.

This new study might lead to a complete repurposing of the drug or simply to a wave of pressure on doctors to prescribe it to patients at risk of diabetes. Regardless, the underlying motivation appears to be profit rather than providing a safe and effective pathway to stronger bones and better health.

Synopsis

Taiwanese researchers found that participants who only took one dose of denosumab (Prolia) were more likely to develop diabetes than those who took two doses. They concluded that continuing denosumab reduced the risk of new-onset diabetes. However, this potential benefit doesn't counter the risk of terrible side effects faced by denosumab users.

New Therapy Targets Aging Cells To Extend Healthy Lifespan

A study published this year in the journal Nature Aging describes a new therapy that would target senescent cells for destruction, reducing the effects of aging and improving physical metabolic function.

Senescent cells are cells that have stopped functioning, but which remain in the body. These cells release compounds that cause inflammation and damage surrounding tissue. As they accumulate with age, they lead to many age-related health problems.

The researchers in this study trained chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, a type of immune cell, to target a protein found on senescent cells. When the CAR-T cells locate a senescent cell, they destroy it.

Relevant Excerpt

”By eliminating senescent cells, the therapy has the potential to improve metabolic function, like better glucose tolerance and increased exercise capacity. This means we’re not just talking about living longer but living healthier and more active lives in our later years.

In studies with mice, this therapy showed significant promise. Treated mice exhibited improved physical and metabolic health without any noticeable side-effects. This is crucial, as it suggests the therapy can be both effective and safe.

“If we give it to aged mice, they rejuvenate. If we give it to young mice, they age slower. No other therapy right now can do this,” says Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Assistant Professor Corina Amor Vegas in a media release.”³

It remains to be seen whether this therapy will be safe or effective in humans. Any treatment that claims to reverse aging and extend life with the ease of a single infusion is worth closer examination.

Synopsis

Researchers are developing a therapy that trains immune cells to target and destroy old dead cells that cause inflammation and damage in the body.The research, conducted on mice, improved metabolic function and slowed aging. It remains to be seen whether this drug is safe or effective in humans.

What This Means To You

The Medical Establishment will continue to concoct new miracle drugs and more reasons to prescribe them. Fortunately, Savers will stay on the safe and scientifically supported drug-free path to stronger bones and an active and independent future.

That’s what the Osteoporosis Reversal Program is all about– making the best choices for your body and your future, one day at a time. It contains everything you need to chart a drug-free course to the life you deserve.

The days will keep adding up– and when you take the best care of your health naturally, they just get better and better.

References

¹ https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-02-diagnostic-tool-femoral-osteoporosis-efficacy.html#google_vignette

² https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/common-osteoporosis-treatment-may-reduce-risk-of-incident-diabetes

³ https://studyfinds.org/anti-aging-elixir/