Preserving geriatric muscle with an osteoporosis medication
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11335601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether a drug already approved for osteoporosis can help older adults maintain muscle strength and mobility to prevent falls.
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, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $666,261 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081359-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 65 and older who are at risk for osteoporosis and falls and who live in senior communities or long-term care settings.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at risk for osteoporosis or those with contraindications to denosumab may see little or no benefit.
What this research studies
Older adults in care facilities fall often, leading to disability and high medical costs. This project will explore whether denosumab, a medication for osteoporosis, can also improve muscle health and reduce fall risk in people 65 and older. Researchers will assess muscle strength, mobility, and daily functioning over time to see if the drug supports both bones and muscles. The study builds on prior findings that bone and muscle health are linked and that improving one may benefit the other.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help older adults stay more independent and reduce fall-related injuries and costs.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior work suggests bone-targeted therapies may influence muscle and fall risk, but results are mixed and further study is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kistler, Christine E — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kistler, Christine E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using an osteoporosis medication to help older adults maintain muscle health
This study is looking at whether Denosumab, a medication for osteoporosis, can help older adults keep their muscles strong and stay active, which may lower their chances of falling or getting hurt.
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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.