The new delivery device, approved by the FDA in June 2008, is being shipped to pharmacies and is available for patients when they fill their prescriptions in the coming weeks.
The new Forteo delivery device includes a larger and wider body, fewer steps to complete an injection with no priming necessary and color-coded parts to enhance patient training and communication, the company said.
Forteo is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at high risk for fracture and to increase bone mass in men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis who are at high risk for fracture. Forteo, marketed as Forsteo in the EU, is said to be the first osteoporosis therapy approved by the FDA and the European Medicines Agency that actually rebuilds bone.
Vladimir Kopernicky, medical director of US osteoporosis and urology at Eli Lilly and Company, said: “Lilly is committed to improving the lives of patients through the development of effective treatment delivery mechanisms. We hope that this simpler design will help patients adhere to their Forteo treatment plan so they can receive the full benefits of their medication.”