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New drug helps against osteoporosis and prevents fractures
A disease caused by osteoporosis interferes with the remodeling of human bone. Researchers have now announced that a promising new osteoporosis drug is likely to be launched in the US next spring. The so-called abaloparatide drug stimulates bone growth and thereby helps to prevent fractures.
The international team of scientists found in one study that abaloparatide stimulates bone growth. This could prevent the formation of fractures. This could help many older people with osteoporosis to avoid dangerous injuries and broken bones. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "JAMA".
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that leads to various health problems and fractures, especially in older people. Physicians have now found that a new drug is cheaper and yet extremely effective compared to the now marketed drug Forteo. (Image: tashatuvango / fotolia.com) Study examines 2463 female osteoporosis patients
In their study, the researchers compared the new drug with a placebo and the drug Forteo, currently the only other drug that helps in bone formation. The physicians examined 2,463 osteoporosis patients for their study. The participants received an injection of abaloparatide daily, the researchers report.
New drug reduces vertebral and nonvertebral fractures
This treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in the incidence of new vertebral fractures compared to the use of a placebo. The results of the study are significant and show the potential of the new drug. Abaloparatide rapidly reduces new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, explains lead author Dr. Paul Miller of the Colorado Center for Bone Research.
New therapies for osteoporotic fractures are urgently needed
Every year, there are about two million osteoporotic fractures in the US alone, says the doctor. These fractures reduce the independence and quality of life of the affected women. Physical and mental stress are the result. There is a huge unmet medical need for therapies that are effective, reliable, and already provide patients with an early advantage, say the authors.
Abaloparatide could be a cheaper alternative to Forteo
If the new drug is approved, it could be cheaper than the previously used drug Forteo, the experts speculate. In each case, the new drug could compete in price with Forteo, the researchers add. This could also have benefits for several million elderly people with osteoporosis in Germany.
Abaloparatide stimulates bone building and helps to quickly fill holes in bone
The new drug was designed to stimulate bone building activity. In addition, the synthetic peptide will affect the so-called parathyroid hormone receptor (PTH1 receptor). Abaloparatide also fills the holes in osteoporotic bones faster, explain the authors.