Promising news for Osteoporosis sufferers ( April 2007 )


Wed 02-5-2007Major study finds that there is a new drug that significantly strengthens bones, and patients need to take it only once a year through IV drip for only 15 minutes.Experts Speak Out: Once-a-Year Injection for OsteoporosisSome Call New Treatment for Brittle Bone Disease a Breakthrough; Others Note Potential Heart DangerA new option in the treatment of osteoporosis could one day change the way many of the 10 million Americans living with the bone-weakening condition are treated by doctors.Research published in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine shows that a drug called Zometa (also known as Reclast), which is currently used in the treatment of metastatic bone cancer, also prevents bone loss through osteoporosis.Patients taking the drug in the trial experienced a 70 percent reduced risk of fractures to the vertebrae, a 41 percent reduced risk of hip fracture and an overall improvement in bone density.But what really sets the treatment apart from current options is the fact that it's a 15-minute, once-a-year IV procedure— a tempting prospect for many patients who cannot stomach the oral medications that are currently available.
But the treatment may come with risks as well; some of the patients taking the treatment experienced atrial fibrillation — an abnormal, potentially dangerous heart rhythm disorder.
Here's what experts had to say about the possible benefits — and side effects — of this possible future treatment:

Dr. Steven Cummings
Senior Author
Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
University of California at San Francisco San Francisco, Calif.: Only about one-third of patients continue to take oral treatments as long as one year. Giving one infusion a year guarantees compliance which, in turn, increases the effectiveness of treatment -- like an airbag instead of seat belts.
Dr. C. Conrad Johnston Jr.
Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolis, Ind. This clinical trial of zolendronic acid demonstrates very good reduction in fracture risk with relatively few side effects. Most important, this therapeutic approach could significantly reduce the poor adherence found with oral agents. It is an important addition to our armamentarium to fight osteoporosis.
Dr. Brian William Walsh
Director, Division of Surgical Gynecology
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Mass : An excellent study — well designed, adequately powered, showing statistically and clinically significant reductions in fracture rates. [Reclast] is potentiallya breakthrough for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Dr. Robert R. Recker
Director
Osteoporosis Research Center
Creighton University School of Medicine
Omaha, Neb. The safety data show a minor concern regarding atrial fibrillation. This is not a major concern, since there was no significant increasein mortality or morbidity. More studies are needed to discover the mechanism of the association. The association could have occurred by chance.
Dr. Edward S. Leib
Director, Osteoporosis Center
Fletcher Allen Health Care
Burlington, Vt. Although there is not a clear reason why there is an increase in cardiac findings, especially atrial fibrillation, this is of concern and may require more evaluation, including animal studies of cardiac toxicity. This might affect the FDA's interest in approving this for therapy.
Dr. Robert Yood
Chief of Rheumatology
Fallon Clinic
Worcester, Mass.Compliance with oral bisphosphonates is poor; several studies show that by the end of one year, about half of patients have discontinued oral bisphosphonates. If compliance with yearly IV therapy is better, perhaps this drug will overall be more effective.
Dr. Javad Parvizi
Joint Specialist and Director of Orthopaedic Research
Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, Pa. I don't think we should anticipate FDA regulations, but if approved, the use of this medication should be reserved to a limited population without heart conditions and severe or refractory osteoporosis.
Youcan find further information on ABCNews.Com http://... www.osteofound.orgPlease add extra information, if you find this treatment is available in your country, where available etc. especially in Pakistan. It is for humanity sake, and Allah (S) will bless you for that, Inshallah.







Channel: News
Uploaded: May 3, 2007 at 1:44 am
Author: LongLivePakistan

Length: 00:02:17
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Video Comments:
Jibbie49 (June 19, 2007 at 3:15 pm)
but if approved, the use of this medication should be reserved to a limited population without heart conditions :--- I find that statement interesting, because it will severely limit the number of woman who can use this treatment. I prefer to listen to SALLY FIELD and take monthly medication.
LongLivePakistan (May 20, 2007 at 9:55 pm)
DannyakaDJ
Sorry can you clarify a bit more. What do you mean by that?
DannyakaDJ (May 20, 2007 at 8:22 pm)
IT says LongLivePakistan in the bottom corner
LongLivePakistan (May 5, 2007 at 10:58 am)
Wed 02-5-2007
Major study finds that there is a new drug that significantly strengthens bones, and patients need to take it only once a year through IV drip for only 15 minutes.

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