Once-yearly Zometa increases bone density in osteoporosis

Novartis' new-generation bisphosphonate drug, Zometa (zoledronic acid),has been shown to increase bone mineral density in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis, even when given at intervals of up to one year between doses.

The new study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (February 28), examined five intravenous regimens of the bisphosphonate (a total of 1mg to 4mg given intravenously in one to four doses over the course of 12 months) and compared them to placebo in 351 women with low BMD.

At the end of the year-long follow-up period, lumbar spine BMD was significantly increased relative to placebo in all the active treatment groups, including those given a single 4mg dose of Zometa at the outset of the trial. Biochemical markers for bone degradation were suppressed within a month of starting treatment and throughout the study, regardless of dose regimen. In addition, the effects on bone turnover and bone density appeared similar to those achieved with daily oral doses of bisphosphonates.