Investigating how bisphosphonates impact bone health and fracture risk
Official title: How bisphosphonates affect bone matrix and remodeling: implications for atypical femoral fractures
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11057604 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bisphosphonates, a common medicine for osteoporosis, might affect bone health and lead to unusual fractures, and it will also explore if another treatment, raloxifene, could help reduce these risks for people taking bisphosphonates.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 12, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $353,132 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080118-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057604 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing long-term bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on bisphosphonate therapy or those with other underlying conditions affecting bone health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of bisphosphonates, a common treatment for osteoporosis, on bone health, particularly focusing on atypical femoral fractures (AFFs). It aims to understand how these medications may impair bone remodeling and matrix maturation, potentially leading to fractures. Using a validated rat model, the study will investigate the mechanisms behind these effects and evaluate the potential of alternative treatments like raloxifene to mitigate risks. The findings could help improve treatment strategies for patients on bisphosphonates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer osteoporosis treatments and improved patient adherence to medication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential risks associated with bisphosphonate use, but this study aims to provide deeper insights into the mechanisms involved, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross, Ryan Dee — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ross, Ryan Dee
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.