New treatment of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is one of our most common national diseases, more than half a million women in Sweden suffer from it. Every second woman is in danger of being afflicted, especially after 50 when the oestrogen level is lower. Till now the treatment of osteoporosis has only stopped the bone destruction but the new treatment helps reconstruct the bone as well.

Eva Waern is senior doctor at the Osteoporosis Clinic of Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg and according to her this new treatment can restore the quality of life of the affected women. This treatment is an efficient help for these women suffering from strongly impaired quality of life in form of fractures, chronic pain and premature death.

The name of this new medicine is Forsteo and it contains a synthetic version of the body’s own hormones, necessary in helping the skeleton to reconstruct the bone. The study shows a 90 percent decrease in the risk of fractures in the vertebral column. The risk of other types of fractures is markedly diminished as well and this condition lasts for several years after the treatment of the recommended 18 months.

Professor Britt-Marie Landgren at Huddinge University Hospital confirms the very promising future of this drug. She also adds that they have as yet little experience of the drug and that it is very expensive.