Promising Drug Shows Potential in Preventing Bone Loss in Space

A new drug compound called BP-NELL-PEG has been found to prevent bone loss in mice during space travel, according to a study led by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The compound, which combines a bisphosphonate with a substance called NELL-1, was tested on mice aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and resulted in a significant increase in bone formation without any observable side effects. The findings hold promise for future space exploration missions involving extended stays in microgravity and could potentially be used to treat extreme osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions on Earth.