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 Nand Baindur 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 Baindur 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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