University of California other research news

UCSF researchers reported two studies at the meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research in Seattle that provide information to guide drug development for osteoporosis.

The researchers said drugs that reduce fractures do not do so entirely by preventing bone loss. In an analysis of previously reported trials, changes in bone mineral density accounted for only 40 percent of the decrease in spinal fractures. The re-analyzed trials included studies of alendronate, bisphosphonates, estradiol and calcitonin. The scientists concluded that change in BMD is not a good measure of how good a drug will be in preventing fractures. ...