# Osteoporosis drug prevented spinal damage in new study New research paves the way for treatments to slow spinal degeneration. - **Source:** [Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily](https://brifing.si/source/0eef8637-6c5b-4e79-8f5b-6c9c6b36cf16) - **Published:** 2026-08-06 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bd7c17af-9b94-47b9-88fb-3f0b2eefd4bf ## What's happening to the spine's shock-absorbing discs? New research suggests that changes in gene activity cause damage to the discs that act as the spine's natural shock absorbers. A study using zebrafish showed that altered gene activity leads to mineral accumulation within the spine. This process resembles bone formation and abnormally hardens spinal tissue. Researchers note these findings could provide targets for future back pain treatments. ## Why is disc degeneration so prevalent? Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) involves the progressive deterioration of discs cushioning spinal bones. Most people experience back pain at some point. Despite placing a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems, no current medications can stop or reverse IVDD progression. Surgery remains the only long-term treatment option. Genetic factors are known to influence IVDD risk. ## How did zebrafish provide a model? Researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Bristol studied zebrafish bred without a functioning copy of the gene encoding collagen IX, a protein that helps bind structural fibers in spinal discs. As zebrafish aged, they developed spinal abnormalities closely resembling human disc disease. Their vertebrae fused while mineral deposits caused abnormal hardening of tissue between bones. ## How does the mineralization process work? Researchers discovered mineralization doesn't begin immediately. First, a supportive scaffold layer in the developing spine starts deteriorating. Mineral deposits only appear after this early structural damage occurs. The team examined gene activity patterns to identify which genes became more or less active. Their analysis revealed issues with fat processing and the mTOR growth regulation pathway. ## Which biological processes are affected? Researchers detected changes in phosphate control and vitamin A signaling, processes all linked to abnormal mineral accumulation. They also identified several approaches that reduced spinal damage. Bisphosphonates, bone-protecting drugs used for osteoporosis, prevented mineral buildup. Spinal fusion decreased when fish received less food or drugs suppressing fat metabolism. ## Which treatment pathways show promise? Results highlight phosphate regulation and fat metabolism as particularly promising areas for future drug development. The study notes that while surgery has been the only real solution for disc disease for decades, zebrafish research points to multiple ways to slow spinal hardening, including a drug already safely used in patients. Researchers emphasize more work remains but call findings 'super exciting' for a generations-old condition. ## Reactions from Arthritis UK Dr. Caroline Aylott, Head of Research Delivery at Arthritis UK, said the research brings fresh hope to the 9.5 million UK people living with back pain, suggesting new therapeutic approaches may be imminent. She expressed pride in funding research uncovering the science behind spinal degeneration processes. Dr. Erika Kague's team at Edinburgh University discovered crucial genetic evidence potentially paving the way for new treatments. ## From scientific discovery to clinical application Dr. Jef Grainger, BBSRC Executive Director, stated this research demonstrates how publicly funded discovery bioscience generates knowledge to address major health challenges. By revealing how healthy biological processes break down in age-related spinal degeneration, the study opens promising avenues for treatment development. He highlighted this as an excellent example of BBSRC-supported research turning scientific discovery into knowledge and innovations with life-improving potential. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260806051943.htm — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._