Novartis says Reclast better than risedronate at increasing bone mass

The trial investigated both prevention (n=288) and treatment (n=545) of Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) in patients. Results demonstrated that a single yearly infusion of Reclast significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine at 12 months compared to risedronate in both the treatment group (Reclast 4.1%, risedronate 2.7%; P=0.0001) and prevention group (Reclast 2.6%, risedronate 0.6%; P<0.0001). Risedronate is one of the established treatments for GIO. Like Reclast, risedronate is a member of the bisphosphonate class of drugs. Risedronate is taken in the form of a daily pill for the indication of GIO, whereas Reclast was studied as a once-yearly 15-minute infusion. Trevor Mundel, head of global development functions at Novartis Pharma, said: "These new data reinforce the efficacy of this novel once-yearly treatment and confirm Reclast's ability to increase bone mineral density significantly in different populations."