Experts Speak Out: Once-a-Year Injection for Osteoporosis

A new option in the treatment of osteoporosis could one day change the way many of the 10 million Americans living with the bone-weakening condition are treated by doctors.

Research published in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine shows that a drug called Zometa (also known as Reclast), which is currently used in the treatment of metastatic bone cancer, also prevents bone loss through osteoporosis.

Patients taking the drug in the trial experienced a 70 percent reduced risk of fractures to the vertebrae, a 41 percent reduced risk of hip fracture and an overall improvement in bone density.

But what really sets the treatment apart from current options is the fact that it's a 15-minute, once-a-year IV procedure — a tempting prospect for many patients who cannot stomach the oral medications that are currently available.

But the treatment may come with risks as well; some of the patients taking the treatment experienced atrial fibrillation — an abnormal, potentially dangerous heart rhythm disorder.

Here's what experts had to say about the possible benefits — and side effects — of this possible future treatment:

Dr. Steven Cummings
Senior Author
Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
University of California at San Francisco San Francisco, Calif.

Only about one-third of patients continue to take oral treatments as long as one year. Giving one infusion a year guarantees compliance which, in turn, increases the effectiveness of treatment -- like an airbag instead of seat belts.

Dr. C. Conrad Johnston Jr.
Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, Ind.

This clinical trial of zolendronic acid demonstrates very good reduction in fracture risk with relatively few side effects. Most important, this therapeutic approach could significantly reduce the poor adherence found with oral agents. It is an important addition to our armamentarium to fight osteoporosis.

Dr. Lawrence Raisz
Director
The University of Connecticut Center for Osteoporosis
Hartford, Conn.

The issue of atrial fibrillation is important and will mean the patients need to be warned and monitored.