Amgen reports bone mineral density gains associated with Prolia

Amgen has announced new clinical trial data demonstrating the gains in bone mineral density delivered by its osteoporosis therapy Prolia.

The phase IV study showed that Prolia provided greater gains in bone mineral density than an intravenous bisphosphonate in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis following previous treatment with oral bisphosphonates.

Lasting for 12 months, the study included 643 women aged 55 years or older who had postmenopausal osteoporosis and had been taking oral bisphosphonate therapy for two or more years.

Additionally, no new safety signals were identified, with the two study groups having similar incidences of adverse events.

Dr Sean Harper, executive vice-president of research and development at Amgen, said: "Our continued research in this innovative antiresorptive reinforces Amgen's commitment to bone biology and understanding the value Prolia brings to treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk for fracture."

Prolia is the first approved therapy that specifically targets RANK Ligand, an essential regulator of bone-removing cells.