Researchers edge closer to new osteoporosis drugs

Osteoporosis affects around 400,000 people in Switzerland, according to the University of Zurich. The symptom-free disease causes gradual bone loss over years, as the body absorbs calcium from the bones and causes them to become brittle. This process is controlled via the so-called PTH-1 receptor – and researchers at the University of Zurich have now determined its three-dimensional structure, announced a statement.

The structure could serve as the blueprint for the future development of drugs, say the researchers, with the potential to slow and even reverse osteoporosis. Current treatments for osteoporosis are very expensive and have significant side effects, according to the university. The aim is to create drugs without these disadvantages.

Determining the structure of the PTH-1 receptor was extremely tough, explains the statement, as cells only produce a very small amount of it and it is very unstable. “The directed evolution and protein engineering methods we have developed over the last few years were absolutely instrumental in making this possible,” said Professor Andreas Plückthun.