Strontium ranelate shows efficacy in elderly population
A reduction in vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in women aged 80 years and over has been shown in a study testing the effects of strontium ranelate, a novel anti-osteoporotic agent.
Combined data from two clinical trials show that compared with placebo
the drug reduces the risk of vertebral fracture by 32 per cent (P=0.013)
and non-vertebral fracture by 31 per cent (P=0.011) in this elderly population.
Tim Spector, of St Thomas’ Hospital, London, and UK co-ordinator
for one of the studies, commented: “No other osteoporosis treatment
has been studied in such depth in a very elderly population so these
data are incredibly valuable to clinical practice. Strontium ranelate
represents a real advance in the treatment of osteoporosis.
“Not only does it have a novel dual action on bone loss and formation,
it also has a simple dosing regimen and is well tolerated. This should
improve long-term compliance and give maximum benefit to our elderly
patients.”
A spokeswoman for Servier Laboratories, manufacturer of strontium ranelate,
told The Journal: “The European Medicines Evaluation Agency has
granted strontium ranelate a licence for the treatment of postmenopausal
osteoporosis to reduce the risk of vertebral and hip fractures.”
She commented that strontium ranelate is the only anti-osteoporotic drug
to increase bone formation and decrease bone resorption simultaneously.
“
Strontium ranelate will be launched in the near future,” she added. |
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