SCIENTISTS MAKE DAZZLING DISCOVERY

January 28, 1992

LIKE many scientific breakthroughs, it came from hard work, serendipity and a bright idea.

Researchers developing washing powders and toothpaste realised the

00-year-old compounds they were using might help treat crumbling bones. They isolated an ingredient that promises hope for more than a million women and thousands of men who need nonhormonal treatment for osteoporosis. The new drug, Didronel PMO, which builds new bone as well as preventing bone loss, was developed at the U.S. HQ of Procter & Gamble from a by-product of a chemical added to Daz, Bold and other detergents to prevent washing machines furring up.