Drug for Boosting Bone-Mass

Posted on November 1, 2008 in Latest News

Bone mass can be boosted among post-menopausal women by using the drug denosumab. This was revealed in a study involving 1,200 women (average age being 64), who had low bone mass for over a year.

Denosumab prevents the activation of bone-resorbing cells known as osteoclasts. The women undergoing the test were to be injected with a 60 miligram injection of the drug denosumab every six months as well as take weekly placebo orally. The other option was to take an injection of placebo at a duration of six months and also alendronate (70 milligrams ) orally each week. Alendronate is used quite often in the treatment and prevention of Osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Women also take about 500 milligrams of calcium and around 400 milligrams of vitamin D daily.

Towards the end of the study, higher number of women who were given denosumab had increased their bone mass by 3% on the lumber spine and hips as compared to those who took alendronate. The drug also effectively suppressed bone resorption, claim the researchers.

The study has been presented at the yearly scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), in San Francisco.

Patients should consult their rheumatologist to decide which is the best course of treatment for them.

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