Researchers from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom are creating a drug aimed at helping bones heal faster, according to BizTek Mojo.
Here are five notes:
1. The researchers tested the new drug on bone samples derived from hip replacement surgery patients.
2. Through the samples, researchers discovered the drug activates the "Wnt," a molecular pathway that enables the division of stem cells to form more cells inside the body.
3. The drug is primarily targeted at the elderly, whose bones take longer to heal. Nick Evans, MD, associate professor of bioengineering at the University of Southampton, said, "Bone fractures are a big problem in society, especially in older people. It is getting worse as more people get older and their risk of fracture increases."
4. Additionally, the researchers are working to discover effective methods of stimulating the Wnt using their drug.
5. More research is needed as researchers discovered trying to stimulate the Wnt pathway for too long, led to the decrease in the regenerative effects.
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