Osteoporosis drug may also preserve muscle in the elderly
NCT ID NCT06118905
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether Denosumab, a drug used for osteoporosis, can help preserve muscle strength and mobility in frail adults aged 65 and older living in nursing homes or assisted living. Participants will receive either Denosumab or Zoledronic Acid, and researchers will measure changes in knee extension strength over time. The goal is to see if this medication can improve muscle health and function in a vulnerable population.
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) and Zoledronic Acid (Reclast)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that an existing osteoporosis drug also helps maintain muscle strength and mobility in older adults, potentially reducing falls and frailty.
- What could go wrong
- This is a phase 4 trial with 155 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The primary focus is on muscle strength, not fracture prevention, and benefits may be modest or not clinically significant.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
-
About 155 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Feb 2024
- Expected to finish
-
Mar 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
65 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Ambulatory male and female residents with osteoporosis or low bone mass (at risk for fracture) age 65 and older will be considered if: 1) they reside in an institution (nursing home, assisted living facility or senior community) and; 2) they have osteoporosis as diagnosed by a) BMD (spine, hip or forearm BMD T-score ≤ -2.5 SD), b) a previous adult fragility spine or hip fracture, or c) have osteopenia but would be treated based on FRAX and the BHOF treatment thresholds of a 10-year major fracture risk of ≥ 20% or ≥ 3% hip fracture risk using femoral neck BMD. Exclusion Criteria: We will exclude residents with subacute illnesses surviving or those with life expectancy \<1 year. We will exclude those currently on a related therapy (including a bisphosphonate, Denosumab, teriparatide, abaloparatide, or romosozumab) or who have been on a bisphosphonate for \>1 year during the previous 2 years because some bisphosphonates are long acting. We will exclude subjects with a history of hypocalcemia or contraindication for treatment or those who are on systemic glucocorticoids that may lower muscle strength. We will screen for these conditions by detailed history, chart review, and baseline laboratory analyses. Participants with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels \<25 ng/mL will be treated with vitamin D 50,000 IU/wk for 8 weeks. The patient will be enrolled if the follow-up vitamin D level is 25 ng/mL or more. Patients will be allowed to continue on anticonvulsants because use is common in this population. Women on hormone replacement, raloxifene, or residents prescribed protective hip pads will be allowed to participate and continue on these therapies. We will suggest participants stop calcitonin due to cancer concerns.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Osteoporosis are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
St. Barnabas Woodlands
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 16059, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can better posture strengthen the pelvic floor in osteoporosis?
- Could exercise be the key to stronger bones in women?
- Robotic legs may help rebuild bone in people with spinal cord injury
- Could a simple education program stop the cycle of fractures in the elderly?
- Could cannabis oil be a new key to chronic pain relief and stronger bones in women?
- Could lipedema weaken bones? a new study investigates