Journal Article

Denosumab for Prevention of Fractures in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis

Kutilek, Stepan, Eastell, Richard, Zanchetta, Jose, Austin, Matt, Adami, Silvano, Siris, Ethel S, Reid, Ian R, Wang, Andrea, Martin, Javier San, Delmas, Pierre, Zoog, Holly B, Cummings, Steven R, Siddhanti, Suresh, Christiansen, Claus, Libanati, Cesar, McClung, Michael R

2009

Overview

In this trial, women between the ages of 60 and 90 with low bone mineral density received twice-yearly subcutaneous injections of denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, which inhibits the development and activity of osteoclasts, or placebo. Denosumab was associated with a reduced risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures. Women between the ages of 60 and 90 with low bone mineral density received twice-yearly subcutaneous injections of denosumab, which inhibits the development and activity of osteoclasts, or placebo. Denosumab was associated with a reduced risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures. Fractures are a major cause of disability and health care costs. 1 , 2 The use of denosumab is a novel approach to fracture prevention. It is a fully human monoclonal antibody against the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), a cytokine that is essential for the formation, function, and survival of osteoclasts. 3 By binding RANKL, denosumab prevents the interaction of RANKL with its receptor, RANK, on osteoclasts and osteoclast precursors and reversibly inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. 4 In previous trials, the subcutaneous administration of 60 mg of denosumab every 6 months reduced bone turnover and increased bone mineral density. 5 – 8 We . . .

• Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
• Subject: Aged / Aged, 80 and over / Antibodies, Monoclonal - adverse effects / Antibodies, Monoclonal - pharmacology / Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use / Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Biological and medical sciences / Bone density / Bone Density - drug effects / Bone Density Conservation Agents - adverse effects / Bone Density Conservation Agents - pharmacology / Bone Density Conservation Agents - therapeutic use / Bone Remodeling - drug effects / Denosumab / Diseases of the osteoarticular system / Female / Fractures / Fractures, Bone - epidemiology / Fractures, Bone - prevention & control / General aspects / Hip Fractures - epidemiology / Hip Fractures - prevention & control / Humans / Incidence / Medical sciences / Middle Aged / Older people / Osteoporosis / Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal - drug therapy / Osteoporosis. Osteomalacia. Paget disease / Prevention and actions / Public health. Hygiene / Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine / RANK Ligand - adverse effects / RANK Ligand - pharmacology / RANK Ligand - therapeutic use / Risk / Spinal Fractures - epidemiology / Spinal Fractures - prevention & control