STAT+: Drugmakers, biotech VCs show ‘reinvigorated’ interest in osteoporosis treatments

Allison covers what hot startups are getting up to, and who’s financing them. She is also co-host of the weekly biotech podcast, “The Readout Loud.” You can reach Allison on Signal at AllisonDeAngelis.01.Medicines for brittle bones and breakages are grabbing the attention of the pharma industry, which has been incentivized by a long-awaited regulatory change. Osteoporosis, a condition affecting older adults that causes bones to become thin and fragile, used to be a top priority for pharmaceutical companies. Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, and GSK each had their own treatment designed to stop bones from weakening. But the cumbersome requirements for taking the drugs, as well as a series of safety concerns, stifled their use. Many patients who are eligible for osteoporosis therapies don’t take any of the drugs available today. Several companies hope to fill that void. Eli Lilly is recruiting scientists to work on osteoporosis therapies, according to Bloomberg. Other pharmaceutical companies are rumored to be following suit. Venture capitalists, having taken notice, are now making bone health one of their priorities. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe