Merck, Sharp and Dohme confirms increased bone mineral density with Odanacatib

Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD) has confirmed that increased bone mineral density (BMD) has been seen in a phase IIB study of Odanacatib, an investigational cathepsin K inhibitor.

The results show that Odanacatib, formerly MK-0822, demonstrated dose-dependent increases in BMD at key fracture points and reduced bone turnover in a study in postmenopausal women with low BMD.

The findings were presented this week at the 29th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Dr Henry Bone, lead investigator and director of the Michigan Bone and Mineral Clinic in Detroit, described the effects on BMD as “encouraging”.

“It is a promising investigational drug being studied for the treatment of osteoporosis. We look forward to the results of further trials.”

Odanacatib is being developed for the treatment of osteoporosis and is a highly selective inhibitor of the cathepsin K enzyme.

Last year, (Merck Sharp and Dohme) MSD saw thousands of lawsuits filled against it by patients using its second biggest seller Fosamax, after some patients experienced osteonecrosis of the jaw after taking the drug.