The bad version of the gene appears to boost osteoporosis risk by limiting the production of the BMP-2 protein, a key molecular stimulator of bone growth, says Dr. Stefansson.
But as Matthew Herper observed back in June, Medtronic has received something of a black eye this year in connection with its promotion of a key product, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2, (rhBMP-2) which is designed to speed healthy bone growth and fusion in patients with back pain.