Injectable hydrogel can strengthen brittle bones

A new nanoparticle hydrogel has been developed by orthopedic researchers for direct injection into bones weakened by osteoporosis. Published in the journal Bone, experts believe this innovative solution could help patients prevent osteoporotic fractures.

Osteoporosis affects around 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men over the age of 50, leading to weakened and brittle bones that can result in serious fractures. Existing medications often take a long time to show results, but this new hydrogel offers a promising alternative.

Dominque Pioletti, coauthor of the study and head of the Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopedics at EPFL, highlighted the high rates of osteoporotic fractures in aging populations and the severe consequences they can have on health and mortality.

The hydrogel developed by Pioletti’s team, in partnership with Flowbone, targets potential fracture sites by mimicking the minerals found in bones. In animal trials, injections of the hydrogel led to significant increases in bone density, especially when combined with the drug Zoledronate.

While the hydrogel injections are not a cure-all, they show promise in enhancing existing treatments and accelerating relief for patients with osteoporosis. Clinical trials in humans are planned for the future to further explore the potential of this innovative treatment.

The goal is to develop therapies that can prevent osteoporotic fractures and improve the quality of life for individuals at risk of bone weakening due to this condition.