FRAX

FRAX commonly refers to two distinct topics in different domains.

Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX)

FRAX is a computer-based model used to estimate an individual’s 10-year probability of hip fracture and major osteoporotic fracture. It was developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield with international collaborators and was introduced in the late 2000s. The model combines clinical risk factors with optional femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) data to provide two risk estimates: hip fracture and major osteoporotic fracture. Inputs include age, sex, weight, height, prior fracture, parental hip fracture, smoking, glucocorticoid use, rheumatoid arthritis, secondary osteoporosis, and alcohol intake; BMD can improve precision. The FRAX output is used to guide osteoporosis management and to determine thresholds for pharmacologic treatment. Models are country-specific, calibrated to local fracture incidence and mortality data, and are available via online calculators and clinical software. Limitations include reliance on accurate input and population calibration; it does not capture all risk factors such as fall risk, and its estimates may be less accurate for subgroups underrepresented in the data.

Frax Stablecoin Platform

FRAX is also the name of a decentralized stablecoin platform developed by Frax Finance, designed to maintain a peg to the US dollar using a fractional-algorithmic approach. FRAX can be minted and redeemed through collateral pools and guided by a governance mechanism led by the protocol’s governance token holders. It operates primarily on Ethereum and other blockchains, and is used in decentralized finance for trading, lending, and liquidity provision. The design combines collateral backing with algorithmic supply adjustments to try to preserve the peg, while subject to market volatility and governance risk.