However, the compounds have not been tested on humans. Pierce and co-investigators Leonard C. Waite of pharmacology and K. Grant Taylor and Sujan Singh of chemistry have been looking at the compounds for about six years. In October, Pierce's team will present its findings at the National meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research in Toronto. Pierce has filed for a U. S. patent for the bone targeted estrogens. At some point, older women become very susceptible to breaking bones and because of age, they usually heal very slowly.
Men also lose bone but at a lesser rate.
The results in the lab have shown that the compounds we are using consistently show an increase in bone. In order to increase bone, many women currently take estrogens following menopause. However, Pierce says this may cause problems for those who may be prone to breast cancer or uterine cancer. What we want to do is to increase the bone without stimulating the breast or uterine tissue. Other agents women may use are bisphosphonates.