GlaxoSmithKline and Roche find preference for Boniva

A study carried out by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Roche has revealed that women with osteoporosis prefer to take medication once monthly rather than once weekly.

The two pharmaceutical companies collaborated for research that demonstrated that 70 per cent of women preferred once monthly treatment with the Boniva drug than a weekly dose of Fosamax.

Research into the drug was carried out as part of Balto II (Boniva Alendronate Trial in Osteoporosis) with women saying a once-a-month dosage was an easier treatment to sustain over a long period of time.

“Rigorous clinical studies have demonstrated that Boniva builds and maintains bone density and reduces the risk of fracture,” said Dr Ronald Emkey, director, Metabolic Bone Disease, Arthritis and Osteoporosis Clinic, Reading, Pennsylvania.

“This new study confirms that women view the once-monthly dosing of Boniva to be convenient and easier to follow over the long term. This is important because fracture protection can only be achieved if women stay on therapy.”

Of the 350 patients involved in the clinical trial, just 6.9 per cent of them specified no preference between the two dosage requirements.

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