Osteoporosis treatment: Unlocking hope for patients with regenerative medicine
By Zarafshan Shiraz, New Delhi | Jan 24, 2024 05:07 PM IST
Osteoporosis, a silent and often undetected bone disease, affects millions of people worldwide, particularly the elderly and postmenopausal women where this health condition is characterised by the gradual weakening of bones, leading to an increased risk of fractures. During the menopausal transition period, the drop of estrogen leads to more bone resorption than formation, resulting in osteoporosis.
The major health threat of osteoporosis is osteoporotic fractures. While traditional treatments focus on symptom management, a new ray of hope is emerging through regenerative medicine, offering innovative solutions to address the root cause of osteoporosis.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher and Founder of StemRx BioScience Solutions India, shared, “Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become fragile and prone to fractures due to a decrease in bone density and quality. Often referred to as a ‘silent disease,’ osteoporosis progresses without visible symptoms until a fracture occurs. Common sites for fractures include the hip, spine, and wrist, posing a significant threat to an individual’s mobility and overall quality of life.”
He explained, “Traditional approaches to osteoporosis treatment involve medications to slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk, along with lifestyle modifications such as a calcium-rich diet and weight-bearing exercises. However, these methods primarily focus on symptom management and fail to address the underlying cause of bone deterioration. Regenerative medicine, a rapidly advancing field, offers a promising alternative by targeting the root causes of osteoporosis. This approach involves harnessing the body’s natural healing mechanisms to regenerate and repair damaged tissues. Stem cell therapy, a key component of regenerative medicine, has shown tremendous potential in treating various degenerative conditions, including osteoporosis.”
Emphasising the transformative impact of regenerative therapies on osteoporosis, Dr Mahajan highlighted, “With the rise of regenerative therapies, there’s hope for patients battling osteoporosis. These innovative treatments aim to not just manage symptoms but to address the underlying cause, offering a ray of hope to millions affected by this silent epidemic.”
