Study Shows Once-Yearly Reclast Better than Risedronate at Increasing Bone Mass in Patients With Osteoporosis Caused by Gluco...( - Glucocorticoids commonly known ...),Health

- Glucocorticoids, commonly known as steroids, widely used to treat inflammatory conditions but can increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures

with up to 50% of patients on long-term therapy at risk(1,2) - Study of more than 800 men and women shows higher bone mineral density

with Reclast than with risedronate, a current established therapy(3)

- Regulatory approval sought for treatment and prevention of

glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in US

EAST HANOVER, N.J., April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- New data show that a once-yearly infusion of Reclast(R) (zoledronic acid) Injection 5mg was significantly better than risedronate at increasing bone mass in patients with osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoids, commonly known as steroids(3). These medications are widely used to treat inflammatory conditions but can cause bone loss and osteoporosis(1).

Up to 50% of patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy are at increased risk of fracture due to osteoporosis(2). Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is the most prevalent form of "secondary osteoporosis," which is characterized by low bone mass that results directly from specific diseases or medications(1).

Results of a clinical study in 833 men and women were presented today at the European Congress on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ECCEO) in Istanbul, Turkey(3).

"Recognizing and treating GIO is an important need, as glucocorticoid therapy is widely used and presents an ongoing challenge for physicians," said Professor David M. Reid, Head of the Division of Applied Medicine at University of Aberdeen, UK. "The significant efficacy of this once-yearly treatment, offering year-long bone protection, will provide a valuable treatment option for healthcare professionals treating and managing osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoids."

The trial investigated both prevention (n=288) and treatment (n=545)
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