Chad Deal, MD, Rheumatologist, Head, Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease, Cleveland Clinic, discusses denosumab, a new treatment for osteoporosis now being used to treat patients who fail other therapies, who have lost bone mass or who are intolerant to other therapies.

Summary:
Denosumab is a new osteoporosis drug currently being used to treat patients who have failed other therapies, lost bone mass or are intolerant to other therapies.

Side effect profile appears to be very good with early clinical trials showing a possible increase in number of infections.

The drug is likely to eventually become a first line therapy for osteoporosis treatment.

References and Resources:
Burkiewicz JS, Scarpace SL, Bruce SP Denosumab in Osteoporosis and Oncology (September) (CE). Ann Pharmacother. 2009 Jul 21

Lewiecki EM. Denosumab for joints and bones. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2009 Jul;11(3):196-201.

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Dr. Deal has disclosed the following:
Salary: Amgen
Royalty: GlaxoSmithKline
Receipt of Intellectual Property Rights/Patent Holder: Procter & Gamble
Consulting Fees: Lilly
Fees for Non-CME Services Received Directly from a Commercial Interest or their Agents: Novartis
Contracted Research: Novartis, Amgen, GlaxoSmithKline

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