Annual treatment with Zoledronic acid significantly reduces bone fractures
May 3, 2007 - 4:09:45 AM
, Reviewed by: Dr. Sanjukta Acharya
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Level of Evidence
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3b - Individual Case-Control Study
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Key Points of this article
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The study showed bone mineral density increased significantly in the spine by 6.7 percent and in the hip by 6 percent in women on Reclast compared to those who received placebo.
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It is the first time that an osteoporosis treatment significantly reduced all types of fractures in a single study
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Main results
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Results from the study show that Zoledronic acid reduced the frequency of fractures among the areas of the body that are typically affected by osteoporosis, including the hip, spine, and wrist. Specifically, a 70 percent reduction was achieved in spine fractures. The risk of hip fractures, which are associated with significant mortality, was reduced by 41 percent.
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Zoledronic acid
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Zoledronic acid belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which are used to treat osteoporosis. Unlike other bisphosphonate treatments that require women to take daily, weekly, or monthly doses for postmenopausal osteoporosis, it is given as a once-yearly 15-minute infusion.
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Epidemiology
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Osteoporosis affects more than 10 million people in the U.S. An estimated one out of two women over age 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime.
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By NEJM,
[RxPG] Data published in this weekâs issue of The New England Journal of Medicine show that a once-yearly treatment significantly reduced the incidence of all types of osteoporotic bone fractures over three years in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The publication marks the first time that an osteoporosis treatment significantly reduced all types of fractures in a single study.
The Phase III clinical study involved more than 7,700 women between the ages of 65 and 89 in 27 countries. All women involved in the study had postmenopausal osteoporosis and received zoledronic acid Injection or placebo. Results from the study show that Zoledronic acid reduced the frequency of fractures among the areas of the body that are typically affected by osteoporosis, including the hip, spine, and wrist. Specifically, a 70 percent reduction was achieved in spine fractures. The risk of hip fractures, which are associated with significant mortality, was reduced by 41 percent.
The National Osteoporosis Society of UK welcomes this forthcoming and exciting new treatment. This drug is not yet licensed for use in the UK, but when available, it will add to the choice of drug treatments available for people at risk of breaking a bone due to osteoporosis. However, patient safety is paramount and, as with any new drug to market, its safety profile will need to be fully assessed.
Zoledronic acid is one of the bisphosphonate drugs. Oral bisphosphonates can be difficult to take properly and can cause side effects. If not taken correctly these drugs will be less effective. An annual intravenous preparation may prove to be a convenient, cost effective strategy, providing that any potential problems in arranging the administration of the treatment are overcome.
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About Dr. Sanjukta Acharya
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This news story has been reviewed by Dr. Sanjukta Acharya before its publication on RxPG News website. Dr. Sanjukta Acharya, MBBS is the chief editor for RxPG News website. She oversees all the medical news submissions and manages the medicine section of the website. She has a special interest in diabetes and endocrinology.
RxPG News is committed to promotion and implementation of Evidence Based Medical Journalism in all channels of mass media including internet.
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Additional information about the news article
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The FDA is currently reviewing zoledronic acid for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The FDA has approved the drug for the treatment of Pagetâs disease of bone, the second most common metabolic bone disorder after osteoporosis.
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