Osteoporosis is an age-related systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility. Bone remodeling involves two types of cells: osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB
ligand (RANKL) is a key regulator of the formation and function of bone-resorbing osteoclasts, and its
cell surface receptor, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), is expressed by both osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts.
Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal anti-RANKL antibody that inhibits the binding of RANKL to RANK, thereby decreasing osteoclastogenesis and
bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts. Although there are many medications available for the treatment of
osteoporosis, inhibition of RANKL by
denosumab has been shown to significantly affect bone metabolism.
Denosumab appears to be a promising, highly effective, and safe parenteral
therapy with good adherence for
osteoporosis. Moreover,
denosumab may be cost-effective
therapy compared with existing alternatives. Therefore, in this review, we focus on studies of
denosumab and the risks and benefits identified for this type of treatment for
osteoporosis.