Therapeutic patenting for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Despite the introduction of new agents glucocorticoids remain the most impo rtant class of anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoid usage continues t o increase. One of the major side effects with this class of drugs, however , is the development of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP), a condi tion of reduced bone mass and increased liability to fracture in a proporti on of individuals treated. Despite this clear association it remains diffic ult to predict GIOP risk in an individual. The pathophysiology underlying G IOP is quite distinct from that of postmenopausal osteoporosis and many the rapeutic agents used in postmenopausal osteoporosis have poor responses in GIOP. Therapeutic success in this area has so far been achieved using bone resorption inhibitors, particularly bisphosphonates, which are effective at preventing bone loss. New insights into the molecular basis of osteoclast activation are likely to lead to the development of additional bone resorpt ion inhibitors. However, agents which stimulate bone formation and can ther efore replace lost bone would have significant advantages over resorption i nhibitors. This review evaluates patenting in the area of GIOP and discusse s the technologies most likely to be applicable to the treatment of the con dition. Recent patents relating to agents that inhibit bone resorption or s timulate bone formation are reviewed, as are patents relating to combinatio ns of these agents.