Bisphosphonate conjugation enhances the bone-specificity of NELL-1-based systemic therapy for spaceflight-induced bone loss in mice.

Microgravity-induced bone loss results in a 1% bone mineral density loss monthly and can be a mission critical factor in long-duration spaceflight. Biomolecular therapies with dual osteogenic and anti-resorptive functions are promising for treating extreme osteoporosis. We previously confirmed that NELL-like molecule-1 (NELL-1) is crucial for bone density maintenance.