Can a bone drug help women with anorexia? small study hints at hope
NCT ID NCT03292146
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether denosumab, a drug used for osteoporosis, can improve bone density in women with anorexia nervosa. Thirty women received either denosumab or placebo injections over 12 months, with an optional year of alendronate. The goal was to see if bone density and structure improved, offering a potential new option for bone loss in this group.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Denosumab (Prolia) injection
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a treatment for bone loss in women with anorexia nervosa, potentially reducing fracture risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment also requires ongoing monitoring and may have side effects like infection risk.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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