Amgen and UCB to conduct antibody test during space shuttle flight

Amgen and UCB are to study the effects of a sclerostin antibody in an experiment taking place during the final NASA space shuttle mission.

Collaborating with the NASA Ames Research Center, the companies will utilise mice aboard the shuttle Atlantis to evaluate the treatment's efficacy in preventing bone loss among those in space.

The drug functions by inhibiting sclerostin – a key negative regulator of bone formation – and could have applications in addressing skeletal fragility among patients with various conditions, such as immobilisation, stroke, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.

Both Amgen and UCB expressed gratitude at being able to work with NASA on this historic space mission.

Dr Chris Paszty, scientific executive director at Amgen, said: "This proof of principle study will enhance our understanding of the science behind the sclerostin antibody and arm us with important research to support potential future therapeutic applications."

Earlier this year, the companies published new clinical trial data on the sclerostin antibody, showing its potential efficacy as a treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.