The 9th International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Asia-Pacific Bone Health Conference, held from December 11-13, 2025, at the Hamamatsucho Convention Hall in Tokyo, Japan, served as a critical hub for musculoskeletal health. The Congress Steering Committee that developed the highly impactful scientific program was co-chaired by APCO members, Prof Atsushi Suzuki and Prof Manju Chandran.
The hybrid program combined high-level innovative sessions such as AI-driven osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture risk assessment along with foundational training on various topics that enthralled the global audience. Beyond clinical science, the conference integrated patient advocacy and national health priorities to foster a holistic approach to care. This synergy between research, policy and the merging of clinical therapies with human-centric care, were unique threads that ran throughout the conference and underscored the commitment needed to tackle the rising global burden of bone disease.
A Landmark Launch: The APCO-IOF Asia Pacific Regional Audit 2025
A defining milestone of the opening ceremony on December 11th was the official launch of “The APCO-IOF Asia Pacific Regional Audit: Epidemiology, Costs and Burden of Osteoporosis In 2025”. This comprehensive report provides an unprecedented assessment of bone health across 22 countries and regions. The findings underscore a demographic crossroads: by 2075, the region will house nearly half the world’s population, with life expectancy soaring. As Prof Manju Chandran, Chairperson of APCO and lead author of the Audit noted during the launch, the skyrocketing fracture rates in the AP region, demand immediate action to ensure that longer lives remain independent and healthy.
The Audit also shed light on significant disparities in care across the region. While progress has been made, gaps remain for instance in fracture data collection systems, with only 10 of the 22 countries maintaining centralized databases. Furthermore, reimbursement gaps for newer treatments often hinder patient access. These insights serve as a critical reality check, emphasizing that while medical knowledge has advanced, the infrastructure for delivery must catch up to meet the needs of the aging population.
Most significantly, the 2025 Audit serves as a tool for advocacy, giving local organizations the hard data needed to engage with their respective governments. By quantifying the economic and social costs of inaction, the report provides a clear mandate for change. It highlights that the “fracture gap”, the difference between those who need treatment and those who actually receive it, remains a daunting barrier that can only be breached through systemic policy shifts and better-integrated healthcare models.
To bridge these gaps, the Audit outlines a ten-point roadmap for the future. Priorities include designating osteoporosis as a national health priority, expanding fracture registries, and scaling innovative models like AI and digital health tools.
APCO’s Strong Presence in Tokyo
APCO’s influence was felt throughout the conference, with members leading the scientific discourse and receiving well-deserved accolades for their dedication to the field.
1. Outstanding Achievements in Bone Health Award
In a moment of immense pride for the consortium, Prof Manju Chandran was honored with the “Outstanding Achievements in Bone Health in the Asia Pacific Region Award”. This prestigious recognition celebrates her tireless work as Chairperson of APCO and her impactful contributions to the cause of both the IOF and APCO.
2. APCO Booth at CNS Village
The APCO booth afforded a gathering spot for delegates to learn more about our ongoing initiatives. To add a local flavour, the booth featured snacks from across Asia, providing a warm space for networking and cross-cultural exchange among participants.
3. Recognition for Capture the Fracture® Mentors
Several APCO members were recognized for their work in secondary fracture prevention through the Capture the Fracture® initiative. Among those honoured for their mentorship and FLS development were Prof Atsushi Suzuki, Prof Yoon-Sok Chung, and Dr Derrick Chan.
4. Presentation of the APCO-SAFES Project Update
APCO member, Dr Lakshmi Nagendra, who has been working under the tutelage of Prof Manju Chandran and Prof Mickael Hiligsmann (University of Maastricht) presented results from the ongoing collaborative projects between the APCO and the South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies (SAFES) exploring cost effectiveness of FRAX ® based intervention thresholds and that of establishing FLSs in South Asian countries. Dr Nagendra presented results on the Cost-effectiveness of FRAX® based intervention thresholds for management of osteoporosis in Bangladesh.
5. Scientific Leadership: Speakers and Chairpersons
APCO members were at the forefront of the scientific program, contributing expertise across a wide range of symposia, debates, and educational sessions. In addition, Prof Manju Chandran and Prof Ambrish Mithal led two out of the five official poster tours, guiding in-depth scientific discussions, contextualising emerging data, and fostering critical dialogue between investigators and delegates. APCO members contributed their expertise through the following lectures:
- Prof Manju Chandran launched the APCO IOF Asia Pacific Audit with an inspiring address at the Opening Ceremony and delivered a plenary lecture on “Burden of Osteoporosis in Asia: Top Line findings from the Asia Pacific Audit”. She also wove together history, fables and science in an enthralling talk on “High BMD Disorders and How They Have Influenced Development of Antiosteoporosis Medicines,” and bridged foundational AI concepts with the latest advances in the field in her talk on “Deep Learning in Detection of Osteoporosis”.
- Prof Ambrish Mithal presented a comprehensive overview “Vitamin D, Bone and Muscle Health: Controversies and Consensus” and provided a sweeping overview of the Best Clinical Papers in the Asia Pacific for 2024-2025 at the Opening Ceremony.
- Prof Atsushi Suzuki provided several clinical and health care policy insights at his plenary lecture on “Progress on FLS in Asia Pacific and ensuring quality in FLS: Lessons learned from the APAC”
- Prof Peter Ebeling presented on “Hip Fractures and Atypical fractures in Asia Pacific” and “CKD-MBD and Osteoporosis”
- Dr David Lui delivered a lecture on one of the current challenges facing osteoporosis care in the Asia Pacific namely “Diabetes and Osteoporosis – An Asian Epidemic”
- Prof Sarath Lekamwasam presented on the extremely complex topic of “Glucocorticoid Induced Osteoporosis”
- Prof Paul Mitchell delivered an insightful lecture on “Utilizing Database-Driven KPIs to Standardize Healthcare Quality in Fragility Fracture Management”
- Prof Akira Taguchi spoke on a very innovative topic namely “AI in Dentistry: Promoting Early Detection of Osteoporosis and Interprofessional Collaboration”
Our members also provided critical leadership as Session Chairpersons, with Dr Hew Fen Lee, Prof Chung Yoon-Sok, Prof Ding-Cheng (Derrick) Chan chairing and moderating several Plenary sessions.
A Celebration of Collaboration
The success of the 9th IOF Asia-Pacific Bone Health Conference was more than just a scientific achievement. It was a celebration of the collaboration and innovation that define our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all APCO members who contributed as speakers, chairs, and participants. APCO’s strong presence in Tokyo reflects the growing influence of Asia-Pacific leadership in musculoskeletal health, and we look forward to carrying this momentum into the years ahead.
