Amgen highlights study showing benefits of medication in osteoporosis

Amgen has highlighted the results of a new study that points to the importance of patients suffering from postmenopausal osteoporosis adhering to medication in order to control the disorder.

The data, from the Prospective Observational Scientific Study Investigation of Bone Loss Experience, shows that failing to take medication issued by physicians can lead to higher risk of fractures, greater medical costs and more visits to hospitals.

It revealed that 61 per cent of women reporting moderate or severe side effects after taking their medicine were more likely to discontinue or change it.

“This data enhances our understanding of why many women discontinue treatment with current osteoporosis therapies, suggesting that convenience, effectiveness and side effects are important factors,” said David Macarios, executive director for global health economics at Amgen.

In August, Amgen revealed the results of a trial involving its postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment denosumab.

It found that patients receiving twice-yearly doses experienced significant increases in bone mineral density when compared to placebo treatments