Latest Science
First human bone growth pill
Human short stature could eventually be treated by popping a pill which stimulates bones to grow, according to scientists.
In the USA, millions of people are estimated to suffer from the inconveniences associated with bone deceases which is thought to cost the US health system $3.8bn a year.
'Promising'
But US scientists say they have identified a chemical compound which could promote new bone growth. Researchers from ZymoGenetics Incorporated, a Seattle-based biotechnology firm, say they have identified three compounds which stimulate bone growth in animals.
They told an American Chemical Society meeting on Sunday that early results look promising.
The compounds include two synthetic chemicals and a natural product.
Dr B of ZymoGenetics said: "This is the first report of small molecule drug-like compounds which have been shown to stimulate the formation of new bone in animals."
In the past, scientists have tried giving patients proteins that the body naturally uses to stimulate the formation of new bone cells.
But Dr B says clinical trials of these have been inconclusive.
Cheap and easy to make
Moreover, he says proteins are big molecules which can only be given by injection, tend not to hold up well in the body and are fairly expensive to manufacture.
The small molecule compounds ZymoGenetics is developing are relatively inexpensive, easy to make and fairly stable.
He thinks they will eventually be available in pill form.
But no tests have yet been conducted on humans and it is likely to be some years before the products are on the market, if they win clinical approval.
However, one of the compounds is already in clinical trials as a treatment for heart disease.
Hope"Let me have some eye drops, aspirin, and a bottle of growth pills!" In a few more years, people will visit their local drugstore and purchase these miracle growth pills over the counter. Science is breaking new ground in the biomedical industry and companies such as ZymoGenetics, Biotech, and Genetecs will revolutionize the way humans grow. Traditionally, genetics, a proper diet, healthy lifestyle, and positive attitude would ultimately determine human height. Now, human limb lengthening and tailored exercises are helping millions discover their height dreams. In the near future, all the labor and dedication will become obsolete as science will make you as tall as you want to be!~*
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