New treatment strategies for osteoporosis in older adults
Official title: Innovative Approach to Geriatric Osteoporosis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10800707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help older adults in nursing homes with osteoporosis by testing a combination of two treatments that could strengthen their bones and keep them safe from fractures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $537,263 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG066825-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10800707 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are frail elderly women residing in long-term care facilities who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or those who do not have osteoporosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates innovative treatment options for osteoporosis specifically in frail elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a combination therapy using romosozumab, which rapidly increases bone mineral density, followed by zoledronic acid to maintain bone health. The study focuses on a population that is often excluded from traditional osteoporosis trials, ensuring that those at the highest risk of fractures are included. By demonstrating the efficacy of this dual approach, the research seeks to establish a new standard of care for older adults with osteoporosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of fractures in frail elderly patients, improving their quality of life and overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar treatment approaches in other populations, but this specific combination in frail elderly individuals is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenspan, Susan L — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Greenspan, Susan L
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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.