This Injection May Reduce Fracture Risk

Abaloparatide appeared to reduce fracture risk among women with osteoporosis

(RxWiki News) A new injection reduced the risk of new fractures in women with osteoporosis who have gone through menopause, according to a new study.

The injection is abaloparatide. It works by selectively activating the parathyroid hormone type 1 receptor. In turn, this medication increases bone density (thickness).

The authors behind this study looked at 2,463 women in 28 study centers in 10 countries and followed them for 18 months with one goal in mind. They wanted to determine the safety and effectiveness of abaloparatide in preventing new vertebral (spine) fractures in women at risk of fractures due to osteoporosis. Of the group, 1,901 completed the study. 

Women were randomized into three groups who received different treatments: abaloparatide, placebo or teriparatide (an approved injection for osteoporosis). 

Abaloparatide appeared to reduce the risk of new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures when compared with placebo. In addition, bone mineral density (BMD) gains were higher with abaloparatide. 

Regarding serious adverse events, there appeared to be no difference between the treatment groups overall.

The authors noted that additional research is needed to determine the risks and benefits of abaloparatide, as well as how effective abaloparatide is when compared to other medications used to treat osteoporosis. 

There were some limitations to this study, including the fact the study only looked at 18 months and that participants and investigators knew whether they were receiving teriparatide. 

The results of this study were recently published in JAMA. Radius Health funded this research. Several authors were employees of Radius Health. Several authors disclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical companies. 

Review Date: 
August 24, 2016