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Article: An easier option for osteoporosis? Drug promising, 2 studies suggest; Lower risk of fractures seen, but cost higher.(News)
- Article from:
- The Seattle Times (Seattle, WA)
- Article date:
- August 12, 2009
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 The Seattle Times. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: The Associated Press and Los Angeles Times
A first-of-its-kind osteoporosis drug lowers the risk of bone fractures better than some existing treatments, two studies suggest, and could soon add a more expensive but easier option to the booming market.
The drug, called denosumab, reduced spinal fractures by about two-thirds in post-menopausal women and in men undergoing hormone-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, according to two studies released online Tuesday by the New England Journal of Medicine.
Denosumab blocks production of cells called osteoclasts that break down bones, and physicians have high hopes for it because of its ...