The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7199 p705-712
25 May 2002

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News summary

Launch of new bisphosphonate

A new bisphosphonate, ibandronic acid (Bondronat), has been launched this week by Roche (see p713). The product is indicated for the treatment of tumour-induced hypercalcaemia with or without metastases.

Roche says that in patients with mod-erate hypercalcaemia (albumin-corrected serum calcium <3mmol/L or <12mg/dl) a single 2mg dose is effective. In most patients with severe hypercalcaemia (albumin-corrected serum calcium >=3mmol/L or >=12mg/dl) a single 4mg dose is adequate.

Ibandronic acid is also under investigation for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is expected to be launched either in 2004 or 2005 for this indication under the trade name Bonviva. Data presented at the 2002 World Congress of Osteoporosis in Lisbon last month showed that the drug reduced new vertebral fractures when administered daily.