Novartis osteoporosis drug ‘a major milestone’

Novartis has reported that the upcoming launch of Aclasta (zoledronic acid) – known as Reclast in the US – marks a significant milestone in the treatment of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The compound has been shown to be effective in preventing against fractures of the spine and hip resulting from osteoporosis in addition to strengthening the bones, while the firm reports that its unique once-yearly injection dosing offers enhanced potential for patient compliance with treatment.

Aclasta has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, with European Union approval anticipated by the end of the year following the receipt of a positive recommendation for the drug from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use last month.

Felicia Cosman, professor of clinical medicine at Columbia University in New York, said: “The fact that Reclast is highly effective and can be administered once-yearly represents a major milestone in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.”

She added that the launch of the Aclasta injection marks the first time that clinicians can guarantee patients receive a full year’s treatment for bone protection.

In April 2007, Novartis announced the publication of clinical trial data suggesting that Aclasta could potentially provide a new standard of care in treatment of Paget’s disease of the bone.