Advancing Research and Access in Modern Osteoporosis Care, with Gina Woods, MD

As osteoporosis care evolves, so too do the questions surrounding how best to deploy the therapies already available. At the Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposium (RWCS) 2026, held on February 11-14 in Maui, Hawaii, Gina Woods, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Director of the Osteoporosis and Preventive Bone Health Programs at the University of California San Diego, gave talks on osteoporosis care, including current standards and emerging ideas in the field. RheumatologyLive spoke with Woods during the meeting to gain more insight into the importance of exercise in osteoporosis care as well as other high priority research questions for the field.

While much discussion in recent years has focused on anabolic-first sequencing and optimal duration of therapy, Woods suggested that one underexplored area is how age and life expectancy should more explicitly inform clinical guidelines. Beyond pharmacology, Woods called for greater investment in healthcare delivery science. Despite the availability of highly effective medications, osteoporosis treatment rates remain low, and in some settings, are declining. The challenge, she noted, is not only discovering new drugs, but ensuring that existing therapies are appropriately prescribed and sustained. Understanding barriers to treatment initiation, adherence, and follow-up may yield as much impact as the next breakthrough molecule.

Woods emphasized that exercise remains foundational to musculoskeletal health, and yet is rarely covered by insurance. Supervised, structured exercise programs are critical for maintaining strength, balance, and independence in patients with osteoporosis. Woods encouraged clinicians to familiarize themselves with reputable community and virtual resources, such as programs supported by the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation’s BoneFit initiative and other supervised resistance-training models, to better support patients outside the clinic walls.

“Exercise is generally not covered by health insurance, but it's such an important part of musculoskeletal health, of maintaining function and independence. So I encourage everyone to find some resources in their community that they can refer patients to, for those who have access to these types of therapies, which, again, are not covered by insurance by and large,” Woods said.

Woods has no relevant disclosures to report.

References

1. Woods G. Outside the box: Bone Health; new approaches and considerations. Presented at: RWCS 2026, held February 11-14 in Maui, Hawaii.

2. Woods G. Hot topic: Treating Osteoporosis: current treatment approaches. Presented at: RWCS 2026, held February 11-14 in Maui, Hawaii.