Antibody outperforms alendronate in bone density.(Gynecology)

SEATTLE -- An experimental treatment for osteoporosis that requires only semiannual administration was at least as effective as weekly alendronate at improving bone mineral density, according to a yearlong, placebo-controlled study.

The investigation involved 412 post-menopausal women with low bone density who were divided almost evenly among nine study arms. Three groups took different dosages of the fully-human antibody, currently known as AMG 162, administered every 3 months; four groups took different dosages of AMG 162 every 6 months; another group took alendronate 70 mg once weekly; and the final group received a placebo.

After 12 months of therapy, all dosages of AMG 162 outperformed alendronate on the total-hip density measurements except the lowest dose, which was equivalent to the bisphosphonate. The improvements for the total hip were 2% for alendronate and 3% for the antibody taken at 60 mg every 6 months, Michael McClung, M.D., reported at the annual meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Alendronate increased lumbar spine bone mineral density an average of 4%, while semiannual 60-mg dosages of AMG 162 increased bone mineral density an average of 5%.

The antibody, which is believed to suppress bone resorption ...