[The development of new drugs for osteoporosis in Japan]

In a rapidly aging society, the number of patients becoming bed-ridden due to osteoporosis-related fracture has become a socially important health issue that includes the problem of adequate nursing. Recently, the introduction of a rapidly acting bone absorption suppressant with a clear mechanism accelerated the development of osteoporosis treatment. A selective estrogen receptor modulator in a estrogen preparation is expected, because it has antagonism for the acceptor of the reproductive organ. It is noted that a new steroid with a weak androgen action and estrogen- and progestogen-like actions both prevents bone quantity decrease in women and increases bone quantity in osteoporotic patients after menopause. The second and third generation of bisphosphanate is more powerful than etidronate, the first generation of bisphosphanate, allows continual medication, and is now in clinical trial. The introduction of new drugs, which have clear efficacy and fewer side effects may be expected, along with the combined use of the drugs in which action mechanisms differ. The introduction of pharmaceutical new approaches is also expected as the expression mechanism of osteoporosis is further clarified by basic studies.