More than 14,000 postmenopausal women in England could benefit from a new drug that reduces the risk of bone fractures.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved the drug Abaloparatide which increases bone density by stimulating the cells that make new bones.
Professor Jonathan Benger, chief medical officer and deputy chief executive of NICE said: ‘The independent committee heard from patients about how debilitating osteoporosis can be and how it impacts all aspects of day-to-day life, such as not going out for a walk because they are fearful of falling and having a fracture. Abaloparatide has been found by our independent committee to be clinically and cost effective at reducing the risk of fracture, giving people more independence and, therefore, a better quality of life.’
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Osteoporosis weakens bones and affects 3.8 million people in the UK. It particularly affects older women because during the menopause, oestrogen, the hormone that is important for maintaining bone density and strength, decreases and reduces bone density.
Until now, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis have been treated with romosozumab or teriparatide, followed by bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid. But some patients do not respond to or cannot tolerate these drugs.
Abaloparatide is administered via an injection, which comes as a pre-filled pen that people can self-administer at home once a day, which encourages cells to make new bone.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) welcomed NICE’s announcement. ‘We are very pleased that NICE have recommended a new drug treatment for postmenopausal women at the greatest risk of breaking bones. This will change many thousands of lives for the better and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact it makes in communities across the country,’ said Craig Jones, chief executive of the ROS.