Kenneth G. Saag, M.D., M.Sc., Named North American Editor-in-Chief of Osteoporosis International

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) announced today that Kenneth G. Saag, M.D., M.Sc., has been named North American Editor-in-Chief of Osteoporosis International (OI). His five-year appointment will begin Dec. 15, 2026.

Dr. Saag will serve alongside Professor René Rizzoli, M.D., Editor-in-Chief for the journal's European office. Together, they will guide the editorial direction of Osteoporosis International, working with the journal's editors, Editorial Review Board, authors, reviewers and publisher. Dr. Saag also will oversee Archives of Osteoporosis in collaboration with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

"Dr. Saag is an internationally respected clinician, researcher and scientific leader whose experience makes him exceptionally well suited to guide Osteoporosis International," said Thomas F. Koinis, M.D., president of BHOF. "His deep understanding of osteoporosis research, extensive editorial experience and longstanding commitment to improving patient care will help the journal continue to advance the science and clinical practice of bone health worldwide."

Dr. Saag brings more than 35 years of experience in osteoporosis and bone health research. His work spans clinical trials, population-based epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, implementation science and rehabilitation science. He has contributed to more than 440 peer-reviewed manuscripts and served as a co-author of BHOF's Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis. He also has been the first author of three studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine examining osteoporosis therapies.

His current research includes leadership of a $13 million pragmatic trial funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Conducted in collaboration with BHOF and more than 20 participating sites, the study is examining post-fracture management strategies and is expected to include more than 2,000 patients with fragility fractures.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as North American Editor-in-Chief of Osteoporosis International," said Dr. Saag. "The journal has a strong international reputation and an important role in advancing rigorous research that can improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related bone diseases. I look forward to working with Professor Rizzoli, the editorial team, BHOF, IOF and the broader research community to build on that foundation, encourage international and multidisciplinary collaboration, and respond thoughtfully to the changing scientific publishing landscape."

Dr. Saag is professor of medicine and director of the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has held numerous national and international leadership positions, including president of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, now BHOF, from 2016 to 2018 and president of the American College of Rheumatology. His editorial experience includes serving as senior deputy editor of Arthritis & Rheumatology, along with roles as an editor, Editorial Board member and reviewer for journals in bone health and rheumatology.

In his new role, Dr. Saag will oversee peer review and content development for the journal's North American office, select and supervise editors and Editorial Review Board members, identify emerging areas of importance and support the timely review of manuscripts. His priorities include maintaining the journal's scientific rigor and integrity, broadening international and multidisciplinary participation, encouraging publication of high-impact research and addressing emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, research reproducibility and evolving open-access requirements.

BHOF also recognizes Felicia Cosman, M.D., for her leadership and service as North American Editor-in-Chief since 2016. "We are deeply grateful to Dr. Cosman for the expertise, judgment and commitment she has brought to this role over the past decade," said Dr. Koinis. "Her leadership has contributed greatly to the journal's continued strength and international standing, and she leaves an important foundation for its next chapter."

Dr. Saag was selected through an independent search process conducted by a committee appointed by the BHOF Board of Trustees and overseen by the committee's chair.

Osteoporosis International is an international multidisciplinary journal and a joint initiative of BHOF and IOF. Published by Springer Nature, the journal provides a forum for research and ideas related to the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases.

About the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (formerly the National Osteoporosis Foundation)

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation is the leading health organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis and broken bones, promoting strong bones for life and reducing human suffering through programs of public and clinician awareness, education, advocacy and research. Established in 1984, BHOF is the nation's largest health organization dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. For more information, visit bonehealthandosteoporosis.org.

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SOURCE Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation