Inhibition of RANK ligand: a new option for preventing fragility fractures

Cortical and trabecular bone undergo a continuous and balanced remodeling process, consisting of an osteoclast-mediated bone-resorption phase and an osteoblast-mediated bone-formation phase. An imbalance in this process, which favours bone resorption, results in bone loss and in damage to the skeletal microarchitecture. A new targeted anti-resorptive approach is represented by the inhibition of RANK ligand (RANKL), which is one of the primary mediators of osteoclast activity, essential for osteoclast formation, function and survival. (Aging Clin Exp Res 2011; 23 (Suppl. to No. 2): 28-29) (C) 2011, Editrice Kurti