Osteoporosis is a skeletal system pathology characterised by low bone mineral density and tissue structural deterioration. This condition is associated with high fracture risk that severely compromises quality of life. Osteoporosis incidence is becoming more significant with increasing lifespan worldwide. Novel treatment strategies have been developed that aim to inhibit excessive bone resorption and/or increase bone formation. The most promising novel treatments include: denosumab, a monoclonal antibody for receptor activator of NF-κB ligand, a key osteoclast cytokine; odanacatib, a specific inhibitor of the osteoclast protease cathepsin K; and antibodies against the proteins sclerostin, GKS-3b and dickkopf-1, two endogenous inhibitors of bone formation. This review discusses these new therapies.