Drug Delivery Strategies for Treating Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and micro architectural deterioration of bone tissue. Current treatments for osteoporosis are generally associated with many limitations, including low oral bioavailability, short half time and long-term side effects. Drug delivery systems are developed to reduce off-target side effects, protect drugs from degradation and control release of the therapeutic agents at the desired sites. This review presents current research strategies adopted for delivery anti-osteoporosis agents. Oral delivery systems were developed to facilitate the oral administration of protein drugs. Targeted delivery systems based on bone seeking agents (such as bisphosphonate) greatly enhanced the distribution of therapeutic agents to bone tissue. Local administration based on nanoparticles and hydrogels slowly released incorporated drugs and remained a sustained therapeutic effect in disease site. Though the effects of these systems have been widely approved in animal models, further researches are needed for a bench-to-bedside transition.