The fifth ESPE-OSCAR Science Symposium, entitled “Mineralization of Bone and Growth Plate: Towards the Development of New Therapies”, was held in Paris, France, on September 18th–19th, 2025. It was organized by Professor Agnès Linglart and members of the Scientific and Local Organizing Committee of the French rare disease network “OSCAR”, in collaboration with the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE).

The aim of the 2025 ESPE–OSCAR Science Symposium was to bring together leading clinicians, basic scientists, and translational researchers to explore the mechanisms of bone and growth plate mineralization and their implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The symposium fostered dialogue across disciplines including endocrinology, genetics, rheumatology, bone biology, and dentistry, as well as patient representatives.

The two-day scientific program provided a comprehensive overview of the most recent discoveries in bone cell biology, matrix mineralization, and growth plate physiology, as well as their pathological alterations in rare bone and mineralization disorders. Special emphasis was placed on the translation of molecular insights into clinical applications, with sessions covering disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and the latest targeted therapies such as vosoritide, and emerging agents acting on phosphate and FGF23 pathways.

The symposium was structured around six thematic sessions:

1. Genetic and developmental skeletal disorders

2. Advances in the understanding of short stature and bone growth

3. New insights into the role of the growth plate and innovative tools for bone analysis

4. Recent discoveries concerning vitamin D and its global impact

5. The use of teeth as models for the study of bone pathologies

6. Clinical and scientific approaches to fibrous dysplasia

The symposium opened with a keynote lecture by Professor Uwe Kornak on “Genetic disorders of the skeleton: a developmental approach.” Across the two days, internationally renowned speakers presented cutting-edge research on bone biology, growth plate mechanisms, and clinical advances in disorders such as X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), achondroplasia, and fibrous dysplasia.

Particular attention was given to the translation of molecular and cellular insights into clinical practice, the role of animal models, and the potential of emerging therapies such as burosumab, and vosoritide. Oral communications highlighted innovative work by young researchers on topics ranging from bone histology and matrix mineralization to genetic determinants of growth and novel imaging approaches.

An entire session was devoted to dental and craniofacial aspects of bone diseases, illustrating how tooth and enamel mineralization can serve as a unique model for understanding skeletal pathology. Contributions from French and international dental researchers offered valuable insight into amelogenesis, oral manifestations of hypophosphatemic rickets, and cross-talk between bone and tooth development. The meeting also featured the active involvement of patient associations, notably RVRH-XLH, emphasizing the importance of patient engagement and co-constructed research. A final round-table discussion on updated international guidelines and patient perspectives included Valérie Cormier-Daire, Dieter Haffner, and Frédéric Gaulois (Association RVRH-XLH), followed by a closing plenary lecture by Professor Frank Rutsch on “The genetics of hereditary disorders of ectopic calcification.” The programme of the 2025 ESPE–OSCAR Science Symposium can be viewed here. The abstracts of short oral and poster presentations, as well as the short biographies of the speakers and chairs, are available here.

This educational activity was accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®).

Professor Agnès LINGLART and the members of the Scientific and Local Organizing Committee wish to express their deep gratitude to:

● All speakers and chairs for their scientific excellence and contribution to a high-level academic programme;

● The ESPE Science Committee for the opportunity to host the 2025 ESPE Science Symposium in Paris;

● The OSCAR Network, its reference centers, and the partner research laboratories for their continuous support and coordination;

● And the many participants whose engagement and expertise made this symposium a success.