The FDA has approved the drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Actemra, the only product on the market that will actively prevent this inflammatory process at the source. Although there are 9 biologically designed products on the market that will treat certain forms of arthritis, Actemra is the only drug that is targeting the disease at the molecular level.

Actemra prevent the arthritis by effectively halting the processing ability of a specific molecular protein known as Interleukin 6 which is known to cause inflammation in the bones and joints of the human body.

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health and other institutions have discovered the third in a sequence of genes that accounts for previously unexplained forms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a genetic condition that weakens bones and results in frequent fractures. The newly identified gene contains the information needed to make the protein Cyclophilin B. This protein is part of a complex of three proteins that modifies collagen, folding it into a precise molecular configuration.

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Biocomposites has launched geneX ds, a dual syringe mixing and minimally invasive delivery system containing geneX, the unique resorbable bone graft material with a negative surface charge. The powder and liquid components of geneX are provided pre-packed in separate syringes. The syringes connect together and allow a faster, simpler and cleaner way for mixing geneX. The resulting setting paste can then be delivered through a 3.15″ dispenser (included).

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According to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), fat mass is important in increasing bone size and thickness, but this effect appears to be stronger in girls than boys. This new study shows that fat mass is a strong stimulus for the accrual of cortical bone mass (hard outer layer of bone) in girls.

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Foundation Surgical Hospital of San Antonio has announced it has brought MAKOplasty®, a minimally iorthopedic knee procedure, to San Antonio. Foundation Surgical Hospital is the only hospital in San Antonio — and the second of only three hospitals in Texas — providing MAKOplasty partial knee resurfacing, an innovative and minimally invasive surgical solution that enables orthopedic surgeons to treat patients with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee before it has impacted their entire knee.

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AstraZeneca and Pozen have submitted a marketing authorization application or MAA in the EU via the decentralized procedure for Vimovo tablets, a product under investigation for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in patients who are at risk of developing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated ulcers. Vimovo is a fixed-dose combination of enteric coated naproxen and immediate release esomeprazole under co-development by AstraZeneca and Pozen.

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Research has shown a clear connection between depression and a loss of bone mass, leading to osteoporosis and fractures. Researchers of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that a link between depression and bone loss is particularly strong among young women. Osteoporosis is the most widespread degenerative disease in the developed world. Sufferers experience decrease in bone density, which often leads to bone fractures. In many cases, these fractures cause severe disability and even death.

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In a study of more than 200 women ages 46 to 65, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that the soy supplement did not appear to ward off bone-density loss over 3 years. In general, women on the supplement showed the same degree of bone loss as those given a placebo — though there was some evidence that a higher dose helped protect bone density in the hip.

Ellipse Technologies, Inc. has announced that it has received CE Mark for its MAGECTM Technology for the treatment of spinal deformity. The first application for this technology is for the treatment of spinal scoliosis in young children and teenagers. The CE Mark allows the Company to market the MAGEC System in the European Union and other countries that recognize the CE Mark for commercial distribution purposes.

TiGenix strengthens its product portfolio and biomaterials platform through the acquisition of Orthomimetics, a privately held medical technology company based in Cambridge, the United Kingdom. This acquisition fits with TiGenix’ growth strategy of becoming a leading player in the promising and fast-growing field of regenerative medicine. Orthomimetics’ flagship product, Chondromimetic™, is an off-the-shelf, resorbable implant for the minimally invasive repair of small osteochondral (cartilage and underlying bone) defects.