RESEARCH - Two osteoporosis drugs may be better than one in selected patients

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Two Osteoporosis Drugs May Be Better Than 1 in Selected Patients

October 27, 2009 (Philadelphia, Philadelphia) — The combination of

zoledronic acid and teriparatide, 2 drugs with different mechanisms of

action to treat osteoporosis, might be a valuable strategy in selected

high-risk patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis,

according to a randomized study presented here at American College of

Rheumatology (ACR) 2009.

Previous studies of alendronate (a bisphosphonate that prevents bone

resorption similar to, but less potent than, zoledronic acid) and

teriparatide found no beneficial effect on bone mineral density (BMD),

presumably because of suppression of new bone formation, explained

Saag, MD, Jane Knight Lowe Professor of Medicine at the

University of Alabama, Birmingham.

The current study used 1 annual injection of zoledronic acid, which

did not appear to inhibit the bone-forming effects of teriparatide.

" The combination of zoledronic acid and teriparatide is one to

consider in selected high-risk patients, including those with low hip

BMD, previous fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious

conditions where we want to achieve a more rapid response, " Dr. Saag

said.

The 1-year, partial double-blinded, multicenter study enrolled 412

postmenopausal women older than 65 years with osteoporosis (BMD

T-score of 2.5 standard deviations below peak bone mass) or better BMD

but 1 previous bone fracture. Patients were randomized to receive 1

intravenous injection of zoledronic acid 5 mg on day 1 plus daily

subcutaneous teriparatide 20 mg, or either agent alone at the same

doses.

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Read the full article here:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/711409

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