Combination Drug Therapy, the Best Bet for Osteoporosis

A novel combination drug therapy for osteoporosis seems promising in improving bone density more efficiently than any other treatment available, a recent clinical trial has revealed. During the study, researchers found that postmenopausal women were benefited by marked amount of bone growth by consuming a bone-building drug called teriparatide with denosumab, a targeted therapy drug which can arrest bone loss.

"A combination of these two medications increased bone density more than either does on its own, and it is more effective than any currently approved therapy," said study author Dr. Benjamin Leder, from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

The study pointed out that using both drugs for treatment showed better results than using just one drug.

"Whereas teriparatide increases bone formation, it also increases bone resorption. Denosumab completely blocks the ability of teriparatide to increase bone resorption, but does not block its ability to increase bone formation."

Dr. Felicia Cosman, senior clinical director for the National Osteoporosis Foundation, said, "I think it is time to reconsider the whole issue of combination therapy, based on this study and others, particularly for people with extremely high fracture risk."

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Source-Medindia