Bone fractures, back pain, osteoporosis and other issues of bone metabolism and repair, cancer, bone marrow failure, cachexia (muscle wasting) and more are affecting increasing numbers of people, especially as the baby boom generation ages. Nearly half of all Americans have reported having a chronic musculoskeletal disorder.
In 2011, the cost of musculoskeletal diseases was estimated at $796.3 billion, or 5.7 percent of the US National Gross Domestic Product. A tremendous need exists for new approaches for treating musculoskeletal diseases.