Lilly’s arzoxifene study shows bone density benefits

Lilly’s drug arzoxifene has shown potential to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.

The selective oestrogen receptor modulator was shown to increase total hip bone and lumbar spine mineral density in females in the demographic who had normal or low bone mass, compared to the placebo.

When administered at 20 mg/day, it also had a neutral effect on the endometrium and uterus.

Lead investigator Dr Michael Bolognese said he was pleased with the results.

“It is encouraging that arzoxifene showed the potential of bone loss prevention, with significant gains in [bone mass density] in the spine and hip areas in postmenopausal women in this study,” he commented.

The findings reveal that the drug is “worthy” of further development, Dr Bolognese concluded.

Last week, the pharmaceutical company announced J Michael Cook will retire from its board of directors, effective as of April 20th, after serving on it since 2005.

Michael Eskew, who has been a member of the board since last year, will replace him as the chair of the audit committee.