There's good news for bones these days as a couple of new osteoporosis treatments have performed well in clinical trials.
A worldwide study called HIP (hip intervention program) showed that the drug risedronate (brand name Actonel) significantly reduces the risk of hip fractures in osteoporotic women and is particularly beneficial for those in advanced stages of the disease.
Better yet, a U.S. study has shown that a hormone that helps regulate calcium in the body can not only cut the fracture risk but can also rebuild bone.
The risedronate study followed more than 9,000 elderly women at 183 sites worldwide over a three-year period and concluded that the drug reduced hip-fracture risk by 40 to 60 per cent in advanced cases of osteoporosis.
"We've got something that's really going to change how doctors think about osteoporosis management," says Dr. William Bensen, trial leader at McMaster Medical Centre in Hamilton where 100 women comprised one of the largest groups in the study. "The drug showed a very significant decrease in hip fractures and it showed it very quickly."
Bensen compared risedronate to a "full house" in a game of cards: three aces being its ability to prevent and treat vertebral fracture, to prevent hip fracture, and to increase bone mineral density; the two kings are that it can be taken for extended periods of time on a flexible schedule and that it can be taken in conjunction with other medications with little interference.
The parathyroid hormone, manufactured as the drug Forteo by Eli Lilly, was tested on a sampling of 1,600 women with fragile bones and a history of spine fracture at 99 sites in 17 countries. After two years, the study showed that 14 per cent of those taking a placebo sustained spinal fractures, compared with five per cent in the hormone group. All subjects also received daily supplements of calcium and Vitamin D, standard in osteoporosis treatment. As well, bone mineral density increased nine to 13 per cent in those taking the hormone.
"It represents a lot of hope for the future for women with severe osteoporosis, especially those who are on the best drugs and still having fractures," says Dr. Felicia Cosman, clinical director of the U.S. National Osteoporosis Foundation.