"Promising drug shows potential in preventing bone loss during space missions, according to study on mice"

A drug called BP-NELL-PEG has shown promise in preventing bone loss in mice during lengthy space missions. Microgravity in space causes astronauts to lose up to 1.5% of their bone mass per month, and exercise alone may not fully prevent bone loss. In a study on the International Space Station, mice treated with BP-NELL-PEG showed increased bone density, while untreated mice experienced significant bone loss. The drug, a modified version of the protein NELL-1, boosts bone tissue formation and inhibits bone breakdown. The researchers hope that BP-NELL-PEG could be used by humans in space and on Earth to combat bone loss and musculoskeletal deterioration.